I 


Biblical  mi 
Oriental  Series 


THE  BOOK 
OF  GENESIS 


MERCER 


R  45  .B52  v.l  A   „   . 
ercer,  Samuel  A.  B.  b. 

1880. 

The  book  of  Genesis  for 

Bible  classes  and  private 


Biblical  and  Oriental  Series 

SAMUEL  A.  B.  MERCER,  General  Editor 


THE  BOOK  OF  GENESIS 


Biblical  ana  Oriental  Series 

SAMUEL  A.  B.  MERCER,  General  Editor 

The  object  of  this  Series  on  the  Bible  and 
Oriental  Civilization  is  to  make  the  results  of 
expert  investigation  accessible  to  laymen.  Some- 
times these  results  will  be  presented  in  the  form 
of  daily  readings,  and  sometimes  in  that  of  con- 
tinuous discussion.  Specialists  in  every  case  will 
be  employed,  who  will  endeavor  to  present  their 
subjects  in  the  most  effective  and  profitable  way. 

The  Book  of  Genesis  for  Bible  Classes  and 
Private  Study 
By  Samuel  A.  B.  Mercer  (non>  ready). 

The  Growth  of  Religious  and  Moral  Ideas 
in  Egypt 

By  Samuel  A.  B.  Mercer  (now  ready). 

The  Book  of  Isaiah  for  Bible  Classes  and 
Private  Study 
By  D.  Roy  Matthews  (in  preparation). 

Religious  and  Moral  Ideas  in  Babylonia  and 
Assyria 
By  Samuel  A.  B.  Mercer  (in  the  press). 


Morehouse  Publishing  Company 


THE  BOOK  OF  GENESIS 

For  Bible  Classes  and  Private  Study 


/^5M  Of  MM 

< 

By  ^gglfUlS1 

SAMUEL  A.  B.  "MERCER,  Ph.D.,  D.D. 

Professor  of  Hebrew  and  Old  Testament  in  the  Western  Theological 

Seminary,  Chicago;    Rector  of  the  Society  of  Oriental 

Research,  and  Editor  of  its  Journal;  Editor 

of  the  Anglican  Theological  Review 


MOREHOUSE  PUBLISHING  CO. 
MILWAUKEE,  WIS. 

A.  R.  MOWBRAY  &  CO. 
LONDON 


COPYRIGHT    BY 

MOREHOUSE  PUBLISHING  CO. 
1919 


TO 

G.  M.  M. 

AUGUST  FIFTEENTH 


PREFACE  TO  THE  BIBLICAL  SERIES 

The  purpose  of  these  books  on  the  Bible  is  to  give 
to  the  laity,  men  as  well  as  women,  an  opportunity 
to  introduce  into  their  daily  lives  a  systematic  study 
of  Holy  Scripture.  Nor  will  the  books  be  found  less 
useful  to  those  of  the  clergy  who  feel  the  need  of  direc- 
tion in  their  reading.  Each  volume  constitutes  a  unit, 
and  is  planned  as  a  guide  to  eight  months'  work  of  an 
hour  or  more  a  day.  Specialists  in  each  department 
have  been  secured,  who  will  guarantee  scholarly  and 
sound  interpretation.  They  will  also  endeavour  to 
present  their  subjects  in  the  most  effective  and  profit- 
able way  which  is  consonant  with  the  best  methods 
of  leading  the  student  to  diligent  work,  careful  think- 
ing, and  thoughtful  expression. 


Vll 


CONTENTS 

Directions  to  Students    . 

Introduction 

The  Beginnings  of  the  Race 

PxlTRIARCHAL    HISTORY 

The  Patriarch  Abraham 
The  Patriarch  Isaac 
The  Patriarch  Jacob 
The  Story  of  Joseph 
Review  Studies       .... 


xi — xm 

1—  18 

19—  74 

75—151 

77—117 

117—128 

129—151 

155—183 

185—193 


IX 


DIRECTIONS  TO  STUDENTS 

Books  Required  for  All  Biblical  Courses 

The  Holy  Bible,  American  Revised  Version.  A 
copy  of  the  King  James  ("Authorized")  Version 
should  also  be  at  hand  for  comparison. 

The  Apocrypha,  Revised  Version. 

A  Bible  Atlas.  The  maps  in  any  good  Teacher's 
Bible  will  generally  be  sufficient. 

A  Dictionary  of  the  Bible,  Edited  by  James  Hast- 
ings. One  Volume  Edition.  New  York:  Charles 
Scribner's  Sons,  1909. 

A  large  note  book,  substantially  bound. 

For  This  Course 

The  Book  of  Genesis  (The  Cambridge  Bible  for 
Schools  and  Colleges).  By  Herbert  E.  Ryle.  Cam- 
bridge: University  Press  (Putnam's  Sons,  New  York 
City),  1914. 

The  Bible  of  To-Day .  By  A.  Blakiston.  Cam- 
bridge: University  Press  (Putnam's  Sons,  New  York 
City),  1914. 

The  Christian  View  of  the  Old  Testament.  By 
F.  C.  Eiselen.    New  York :  Eaton  and  Mains,  1912. 

xi 


xii  The  Book  of  Genesis 

Method  of  Work 

The  Directions  given  in  the  Studies  should  be 
followed  exactly,  sentence  by  sentence,  and,  in  partic- 
ular, every  Biblical  reference  should  be  looked  up  and 
verified.  The  important  part  of  the  course  is  the 
written  work  in  the  note  book;  ten  minutes  spent  in 
writing  is  usually  more  profitable  than  an  hour  spent 
in  reading. 

When  the  review  of  a  Study  is  directed,  a  review  of 
the  corresponding  part  of  the  note  book  is  always  to 
be  included. 

The  direction  "Illustrate"  occurs  with  considerable 
frequency;  this  always  calls  for  written  work,  some- 
times rather  at  length.  Subjects  taken  from  modern 
life  usually  form  the  best  illustrations.  "Explain" 
is  to  be  treated  similarly.  "Note"  or  "Observe"  may 
be  given  briefer  comment,  but  something  should 
always  be  written. 

Division  of  Time 

The  course  presupposes  an  hour's  study  each  day, 
but  it  has  naturally  been  impossible  to  make  all  the 
Studies  the  same  length.  When  extra  time  is  given 
to  some,  others  may  be  shortened,  provided  the 
average  of  one  hour  is  maintained.  Sometimes  it 
has  become  necessary  to  combine  two  or  more 
studies  for  a  subject  that  does  not  admit  of  an  easy 
division;  in  this  case  the  total  of  two  or  three 
hours  may  be  arranged  according  to  the  student's 
convenience. 


Directions  to  Students  xiii 

If  the  Studies  are  found  too  long,  the  illustrations, 
etc.,  may  be  condensed.  But  directions  to  read 
passages  should  never  be  neglected. 

Further  Study 

The  course  on  Genesis  is  so  arranged  that  students 
who  desire  to  devote  an  average  of  two  hours  each 
day  should  work  through  the  section  marked  "II"  in 
each  Study,  after  having  completed  section  "I". 
Those  who  desire  to  devote  still  more  time  each  day 
to  study  should  work  through  section  "III",  after  hav- 
ing completed  sections  "I"  and  "II".  The  sections 
should  always  be  followed  in  the  order  I,  II,  III. 


I 
INTRODUCTION 


REVELATION  AND  INSPIRATION  IN  THE 
OLD  TESTAMENT 


Read:  Blakiston,  The  Bible  of  To-Day,  Chap.  1, 
§§  1-11. 

In  the  beginning  God  revealed  himself  in  his  uni- 
verse which  he  brought  into  existence.  According  as 
the  universe  developed  in  manifold  ways,  so  God's 
revelation  of  himself  developed.  Now,  at  an  early 
stage  in  man's  development,  his  mind  gradually  began 
to  discover  and  to  become  aware  of  God;  and  accord- 
ing as  the  mind  of  man  grew,  so  his  understanding 
of  God  increased.  God's  revelation  of  himself  and 
man's  discovery  of  God  were,  thus,  progressive  and 
gradual. 

It  is  a  known  fact  that  some  races  developed  more 
quickly  than  others.  Various  circumstances  make 
this  inevitable.  In  like  manner,  it  is  probable  that 
some  parts  of  God's  universe  are  better  fitted  as  a 
medium  of  divine  revelation  than  others.  At  any 
rate,  it  is  conceded  by  all  competent  students  of  the 
3 


4  The  Book  of  Genesis 

subject  that  the  people  of  Palestine  developed  a 
more  perfect  conception  of  God's  character,  at  an 
earlier  period,  than  any  other  race,  in  any  other  part 
of  the  universe,  of  which  we  have  any  knowledge. 
Now,  many  ancient  peoples  have  left  permanent  rec- 
ords of  their  ideas  of  God,  and  notable  among  them 
are  the  Israelites.  Those  records  which  give  a  pecu- 
liarly spiritual,  truly  religious,  and  a  satisfactorily 
moral  ideal  of  the  character  of  God,  and  of  his  rela- 
tions with  men,  we  call  inspired.  The  test  of  inspired 
writings  is  the  religious  response  to  them  in  the 
heart  of  man.  In  reading  the  written  records  of 
Israel,  the  student  has  always  and  everywhere  been 
arrested  by  their  great  spiritual,  religious,  and  moral 
power.  Hence,  the  Church's  teaching  that  the  Old 
Testament  is  a  part  of  the  Word  of  God — it  is  relig- 
iously inspired. 

What  does  science  teach  about  the  manner  in  which 
God  is  manifested?  What  does  the  Old  Testament 
teach  about  the  way  in  which  man  understands  God  ? 
What  is  the  historical  method  of  studying  the  Old 
Testament?  In  what  spirit  should  one  approach  the 
Old  Testament,  and  why?  What  do  you  understand 
by  Inspiration?  When  and  by  whom  was  God  per- 
fectly revealed? 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Revelation",  "Inspira- 
tion". Write  a  short  paper  on  Inspiration  in  general 
and  Biblical  Inspiration. 


Introduction 
III 


Read:  Eiselen,  The  Christian  View  of  the  Old 
Testament,  Chap.  I.  Read  Articles  VI-VII  and  rele- 
vant portions  of  the  Ordinal  in  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer,  and  write  a  short  paper  on  the  Bible  in  the 
Church. 


2 
THE  TEXT  OF  THE  OLD  TESTAMENT 


Read:  Blakiston,  The  Bible  of  To-Day,  Chap.  II 
§§  1-9. 
The  Old  Testament  was  written  by  hand  on  parch- 
ment. All  the  manuscripts — and  there  were  many 
more  than  there  are  separate  books — were  indepen- 
dent, forming  a  considerable  library.  According  as 
a  manuscript  became  worn  it  was  copied,  and  the 
original  was  discarded.  Every  time  a  new  copy  was 
made,  fresh  errors  were  added  to  those  already  exist- 
ing in  the  former  manuscript.  Before  the  text  of  the 
Old  Testament  was  printed,  in  1488  A.  D.,  many 
mistakes  had  arisen ;  although  the  vast  majority  arose 
before  the  seventh  century  of  our  era,  when  the 
Hebrew  text  was  considered  sacred  and  when  Jewish 
scholars  took  every  possible  precaution  against  the 
multiplication  of  errors. 

Beginning  with  the  third  century  B.   C,  many 


6  The  Book  of  Genesis 

translations  of  the  Hebrew  text  were  made  and  these 
likewise  were  handed  on  in  manuscript  form  for 
many  generations. 

Now,  since  neither  the  originals  of  the  Hebrew  nor 
of  the  translated  texts  of  the  Old  Testament  are 
extant — the  oldest  of  the  former  being  not  earlier 
than  the  tenth  century  A.  D.,  and  of  the  latter  not 
earlier  than  the  fourth  century  A.  D. — the  problem, 
with  which  textual  or  lower  criticism  has  to  do,  is  to 
discover,  in  any  disputed  passage,  what  the  original 
text  was. 

What  is  Textual  Criticism,  and  what  is  its  func- 
tion? Describe  the  Hebrews  and  the  Jews  and  their 
language.  Discuss  the  antiquity  of  Hebrew.  What 
is  the  standard  text  of  the  Old  Testament?  How 
did  errors  creep  into  the  text  ?  Describe  early  Hebrew 
manuscripts. 

II 

Bead:  The  Dictionary,  "Text,  Versions,  and  Lan- 
guages of  the  Old  Testament",  §§  1-15,  and  40.  Say 
which  English  version  of  the  Old  Testament  you  con- 
sider the  most  valuable,  and  give  full  reasons. 

Ill 

Eead:  The  Dictionary,  "Text,  Versions,  and  Lan- 
guages of  the  old  Testament".  Describe  the  Septua- 
gint  and  the  Vulgate. 


Introduction  7 

3 

LITERATURE  OF  THE  OLD  TESTAMENT 


Read:  Blakiston,   The  Bible   of  To-Day,   Chap.   IT, 
§§  10-15,  17,  19-29. 

The  Old  Testament  is  not  only  a  collection  of 
books  by  different  authors,  but  most  of  the  books  are 
also  made  up  of  various  independent  parts.  This 
fact  is  shown  by  the  differences  in  language,  ideas,  and 
style  within  the  same  book.  Earnest  students  of  the 
contents  of  the  Old  Testament  have  shown  that  the 
first  six  books  were  compiled  from  at  least  four  main 
documents,  each  of  which  was  in  itself  a  compilation 
from  the  various  sources.  The  four  documents  are 
known  as  the  Jehovist,  the  Elohist,  the  Deuterono- 
mist,  and  the  Priestly  document,  and  represent  the 
ninth,  eighth,  seventh,  and  fifth  centuries  before 
Christ,  respectively.  The  Historical  books,  such  as 
Judges,  Samuel,  Kings,  and  Chronicles,  are  also  com- 
pilations; and  so  are  some  of  the  prophets,  such  as 
Isaiah  and  Zechariah;  and  also  some  of  the  poetical 
books,  such  as  Psalms,  Job,  and  Proverbs. 

The  earliest  form  of  literary  material  in  Israel,  as 
among  other  races,  was  oral  —  ballads,  narratives, 
and  laws — handed  on  from  mouth  to  mouth  until 
the  art  of  writing  arose.  Then  these  documents  were 
committed  to  writing,  and  circulated,  being  changed 
and  added  to  from  age  to  age.    The  first  great  collec- 


8  The  Book  of  Genesis 

tion  of  such  written  material  was  made  in  the  ninth 
century  before  Christ.  Other  collections  were  made 
from  time  to  time,  which  were  brought  together  into 
three  great  groups :  the  Law  or  Pentateuch,  the  Proph- 
ets, and  the  Writings  or  Hagiographa.  These  three 
great  groups  were  finally  united  into  what  we  call 
the  Old  Testament. 

What  is  Literary  Criticism?  What  is  meant  by 
compilation  and  analysis  of  documents?  Name  and 
characterize  the  chief  documents  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment. Discuss  the  question  of  the  authorship  of  Old 
Testament  books.  Through  what  different  stages  did 
the  literature  of  the  Old  Testament  pass  before  it  was 
finally  collected?  What  three  kinds  of  literary  mate- 
rial are  to  be  found  in  the  Old  Testament  ? 

II 

Eead:  The  Dictionary,  "Criticism".  How  can  the 
Old  Testament  be  reverently  and  critically  studied  ? 

Ill 

Read:  Eiselen,  The  Christian  View  of  the  Old  Tes- 
tament, Chap.  3.  Write  a  short  paper  on  the  different 
kinds  of  criticism. 


Introduction  \ 

THE  CANON  OF  THE  OLD  TESTAMENT 


Read:   Blakiston,   The  Bible   of  To-day,   Chap.   II, 
§§  16,  18,  30-34,  36. 

The  word  "Canon"  was  not  known  in  any  Old  Tes- 
tament period.  But  the  idea  was  present.  A  book 
which  is  canonical  in  the  Church  is  one  which  the 
Church  receives  as  authoritative.  In  that  sense  books 
were  used  by  the  Jews  in  Old  Testament  times.  The 
first  book  or  document  to  be  received  as  authoritative 
among  the  Jews  was  that  discovered  in  the  time  of 
Josiah  (II  Kings  22),  in  621  before  Christ.  After 
the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  in  586  before  Christ,  the 
Jews  were  exiled  to  Babylonia,  where  they  came  into 
contact  with  a  literary  people.  This  spurred  them  on 
to  collect  their  own  literary  remains.  On  their  re- 
turn to  Palestine  about  fifty  years  afterward,  they 
did  their  utmost  to  consolidate  their  nation,  which, 
because  of  its  character  as  a  colony  of  Persia,  tended 
to  neglect  the  civil  and  to  emphasize  the  ecclesiastical 
aspects  of  public  life.  A  real  theocracy  was  the  re- 
sult, and  its  fount  of  authority  was  a  book,  or  collec- 
tion of  books,  which  was  compiled  during  the  exile, 
which  we  call  the  Pentateuch,  and  which  the  Jews 
called  the  Torah  or  Law. 

Long  before  and  after  the  period  of  the  exile,  the 
prophets  were  active,  and  their  addresses  and  sermons 


1 0  The  Book  of  Genesis 

were  committed  to  writing  from  time  to  time.  When 
spoken  prophecy  ceased,  the  memory  of  the  greatness 
of  the  prophets  made  their  writings  more  and  more 
the  subject  of  veneration,  until  about  the  middle  of 
the  second  century  before  Christ  they  were  stereotyped 
as  a  class  and  were  received  as  authoritative.  The 
attempt  on  the  part  of  Antiochus  Epiphanes,  about 
165  B.  C,  to  destroy  Judaism  may  have  been  the 
occasion,  under  Judas  the  Maccabee,  of  the  promulga- 
tion of  the  authority  of  the  prophetical  books. 

The  third  part  of  the  Old  Testament,  the  Writings, 
or  Hagiographa,  was  received  as  authoritative,  at  the 
latest,  by  90  after  Christ,  at  the  great  Jewish  Council 
of  Jamnia.  Thenceforth  the  Old  Testament  was  di- 
vided into  the  Law,  the  Prophets,  and  the  Writings; 
was  ascribed  supreme  authority  among  the  Jews ;  and 
was  considered  Canonical  in  the  Church. 

What  was  the  first  portion  of  the  Old  Testament 
whose  authority  was  recognized?  What  are  the  con- 
tents of  the  Torah?  What  is  the  Samaritan  Penta- 
teuch? Describe  it.  What  books  did  the  Jews  in- 
clude in  the  "Prophets"  ?  Name  the  Hagiographa  or 
Writings. 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Canon  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment". What  were  the  circumstances  of  the  ad- 
mission of  books  to  the  Canon? 

Ill 

Read :  II  Kings  22.  Compare  in  a  general  way  the 
reforms  in  II  Kings  23  with  the  laws  in  Deut.  5-12. 


Introduction  1  1 

5 

OLD  TESTAMENT  AND  ARCHAEOLOGY 


Read:  Eiselen,  The  Christian  View  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, Chap.  4. 

Archaeology  is  a  new  science.  But  it  has  already 
made  remarkable  strides,  more  especially  in  Bible 
lands.  The  Old  Testament,  vast  though  it  be,  does 
not  give  a  complete  picture  of  the  ancient  Hebrew 
people.  There  are  many  gaps,  and  many  references 
are  difficult  of  interpretation.  Archaeology  has  al- 
ready been  very  helpful  in  filling  many  of  these  gaps, 
and  in  solving  some  problems.  But  sometimes  too 
much  is  expected  of  archaeology.  Archaeology  has 
its  use,  but  often  it  is  abused. 

The  chief  use  of  archaeology  is  to  illustrate.  This 
is  exemplified  in  the  way  in  which  the  Babylonian 
account  of  the  Flood,  for  example,  illustrates  the 
account  in  Genesis.  Archaeology  sometimes  confirms 
Biblical  accounts,  as  the  Assyrian  historical  inscrip- 
tions confirm  the  assault  on  Jerusalem  by  Sennach- 
erib; it  sometimes  explains  Old  Testament  difficul- 
ties, as  in  the  case  of  the  identification  of  the  four 
rivers  of  Paradise ;  and  it  even  contributes  brand  new 
material,  as  in  the  case  of  the  date  lists  for  the  con- 
struction of  a  chronological  background  for  the  Old 
Testament.    The  abuse  of  archaeology  is  to  confound 


12  The  Book  of  Genesis 

illustration,  confirmation,  or  explanation  with  con- 
tribution. 

When  did  the  science  of  archaeology  arise?  Give 
a  brief  history  of  Babylonian,  Assyrian,  and  Egyptian 
archaeology.  What  are  the  main  results  of  Pales- 
tinian archaeology? 

II 

Eead :  Blakiston,  The  Bible  of  To-day,  Chap.  4. 

Ill 

Name  and  discuss  the  contribution  which  archae- 
ology has  made  to  the  understanding  of  the  religion 
of  the  Old  Testament. 


6 

OLD  TESTAMENT  AND  MODERN  SCIENCE 


Read:  Eiselen,  The  Christian  View  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, Chap.  2. 
Time  was  when  the  Bible  was  set  upon  a  false 
pedestal — a  pedestal  of  earth.  The  pedestal  has  been 
destroyed,  but  the  vessel  remains  just  as  perfect  as 
ever.  It  was  once  thought  that  the  Bible  could  be 
used  as  a  modern  text-book  on  all  subjects.  It  is  now 
known  that  it  is  a  text-book  on  only  one  subject — 
the  greatest  of  all  subjects — religion.     As  a  religious 


Introduction  1 3 

book  it  is  God's  Word.  It  used  to  be  fashionable  for 
students  of  the  Old  Testament  to  dispute  with  scien- 
tists about  the  comparative  validity  of  science  in  the 
Old  Testament  and  modern  science.  Both  classes  of 
disputants  were  in  error.  What  science  there  is  in 
the  Old  Testament  was  that  of  Jewish  writers  who 
lived  over  two  thousand  years  ago.  But  such  as  it 
was,  it  was  at  the  most  only  incidental.  The  writers 
of  the  accounts  of  creation,  for  example,  were  pri- 
marily concerned  to  teach  that  the  one  and  only  God, 
Jehovah,  created  all  things  and  sustains  all  things. 
The  Bible  is  inspired  and  valuable  not  as  a  book  of 
modern  science,  but  as  a  religious  book,  containing  a 
religious  message  for  all  time.  Between  the  intelli- 
gent student  of  the  Old  Testament  and  the  intelligent 
scientist  there  is  absolutely  no  conflict  in  the  matter 
of  Jewish  science. 

What  is  it  about  the  Old  Testament  which  science 
really  opposes?  Name  and  discuss  various  attempts 
to  harmonize  the  teaching  of  Genesis  about  creation 
with  science.  How  must  science  as  found  in  the  Old 
Testament  be  compared  with  modern  science? 

II 

Eead:  Eiselen,  The  Christian  View  of  the  Old 
Testament,  Chap.  6. 

Ill 

Write  an  essay  on  the  Permanent  Value  of  the  Old 
Testament. 


14  The  Book  of  Genesis 

7 

REVIEW 

Review  the  whole  of  the  previous  six  Studies.  State 
as  many  reasons  as  you  can  for  studying  the  Old 
Testament. 

8 

THE  PENTATEUCH 


Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Hexateuch",  §§  I  and  III. 

From  the  earliest  Christian  times  the  first  five 
books  of  the  Old  Testament  have  been  called  the 
Pentateuch.  When  the  sixth  book  is  included — the 
book  of  Joshua — the  six  books  are  named  the  Hexa- 
teuch.  The  Jews  called  the  first  five  books  the  Tor  ah 
or  Law.  They  are :  Genesis,  Exodus,  Leviticus,  Num- 
bers, and  Deuteronomy. 

Critical  analysis  of  these  books  shows  that  they 
were  compiled  from  at  least  four  great  collections  of 
sources,  known  as  J,  or  the  Jehovist;  E,  or  the 
Elohist;  D,  or  the  Deuteronomist ;  and  P,  or  the 
Priestly  Code.  The  final  editing  of  the  whole  work, 
which  we  call  the  Pentateuch,  took  place  about  450 
B.  C. 

There  is  much  material  in  these  books  which  is 
very  ancient — poetry,  prose,  and  laws — dating  long 


Introduction  1 5 

before  the  time  of  Moses.  There  are  legal  precepts 
which  may  with  much  probability  be  ascribed  to 
Moses,  but  the  bulk  of  the  Pentateuch  is  later  than 
Moses!  It  was  ascribed  to  Moses,  because  he  was 
Israel's  great  law-giver  par  excellence,  the  Pentateuch 
being  Israel's  Law-book  just  as  all  the  Psalms  were 
ascribed  to  David,  although  the  headings  of  the 
Psalms  themselves  teach  us  that  many  of  them  were 
written  after  David's  time.  The  authorship  of  the 
Pentateuch  is  ascribed  to  Moses  much  in  the  same 
way,  speaking  reverently,  that  we  ascribe  the  con- 
tents of  that  famous  series  of  guide-books  to  Baedeker. 
In  studying  any  book  of  the  Pentateuch,  it  must 
clearly  be  kept  in  mind,  therefore,  that,  as  a  rule,  we 
are  not  reading  contemporaneous  material,  but  ma- 
terial which  had  been  edited  many  hundreds  of  years 
after  the  events  described. 

Name  and  describe  the  sources  of  the  Pentateuch. 
When  were  they  separately  compiled,  and  when  were 
they  gathered  into  one  collection?  Discuss  the 
Mosaic  authorship  of  the  Pentateuch. 

II 

Eead:  The  Dictionary,  "Hexateuch,  II".  "Criti- 
cism of  the  Hexateuch".  Write  a  short  history  of 
Pentateuchal  Criticism. 

Ill 

Write  a  short  paper  on  the  value  of  Criticism  to  a 
devout  studv  of  the  Pentateuch. 


1 6  The  Book  of  Genesis 

9 
THE  BOOK  OF  GENESIS 


Bead:  Ryle,  The  Boole  of  Genesis,  "Introduction", 
§§  1,  2,  6,  7,  8. 

In  Genesis,  one  of  the  most  valuable  books  of  the 
Old  Testament,  we  have  an  earnest  attempt  on  the 
part  of  Judaism  of  the  time  of  Ezra  and  Nehemiah  to 
preserve  what  had  been  handed  down  in  written  form 
about  the  history  of  the  race  from  the  very  beginning 
to  the  time  of  Abraham,  and  about  the  lives  of  the 
patriarchs  from  the  time  Abraham  left  Babylonia  till 
the  death  of  Joseph  in  Egypt. 

There  is  one  remarkable  thread  running  through- 
out the  whole  book — a  thread  which  gives  meaning 
and  purpose  to  Genesis.  It  is  the  religious  motive. 
The  purpose  of  all  the  stories  and  narratives  in  the 
book  of  Genesis,  from  the  earliest  to  the  latest,  and 
the  purpose  of  the  final  editor  of  the  whole  collection, 
was  to  show  the  uniqueness  of  Jehovah's  creation  of 
the  whole  world,  and  how  he  sustained  and  guided 
Israel  in  all  her  ways.  These  remarkable  stories  are 
unparalleled  in  the  history  of  human  literature  for 
the  way  in  which  they  have  permeated  and  moulded 
the  character  of  the  race.  They  contain  a  marvellous 
revelation  of  God's  character,  and  as  such  are  the 
Father's  Word  to  his  children. 

What  are  the  different  words  by  which  Genesis  has 


Introduction  1 7 

been  known?     Give  the  contents  of  Genesis.     What 
is  the  religious  teaching  of  Genesis  ? 

II 

Eead:  Ryle,  The  Book  of  Genesis,  "Introduction", 
§§3-5.     Discuss  the  literary  materials  in  Genesis. 

Ill 

Read:  Ryle,  The  Book  of  Genesis,  "Introduction", 
§  9.  What  is  the  historical  value  of  the  material  in 
Genesis?     Discuss  the  meaning  of  Jehovah. 


II 
THE  BEGINNINGS  OF  THE  RACE 


10 
GOD 


Read :  Gen.  1:1;  St.  John  1:1;  Kyle,  Genesis  1:1.* 
The  idea  of  God  to  be  found  in  the  first  chapter  of 
Genesis  represents  Hebrew  thought  of  the  sixth 
century  B.  C.  All  ancient  races  believed  in  the  ex- 
istence of  many  gods.  So  did  the  early  Hebrews. 
They  believed  that  the  Egyptians,  the  Babylonians, 
the  Moabites,  the  Philistines,  and  other  peoples  had 
their  own  gods.  The  idea  of  the  existence  of  only 
one  God  in  the  universe  developed  very  slowly.  But 
as  early  as  the  eighth  century  B.  C.  this  idea  was  be- 
coming common  in  Israel,  and  by  the  time  that  the 
Book  of  Genesis  assumed  its  final  form  the  idea  had 
become  firmly  established.     This  idea  of  God  is  called 

*  This  and  succeeding  similar  references  always  indicate 
Kyle's  comments,  e.  g.,  Genesis  1 :  1  indicates  that  the  stu- 
dent should  read  in  Ryle,  Genesis,  page  1,  beginning  at  "1. 
In  the  beginning"  and  ending  on  page  3  at  "supports  it  in 
the  second  century  A.  D."  In  other  words,  Ryle's  com- 
ments on  the  portion  of  the  Book  of  Genesis,  always  given 
at  the  beginning  of  each  "Study",  must  be  carefully  read 
by  the  student. 

21 


22  The  Book  of  Genesis 

monotheism.  The  first  idea,  then,  which  presents 
itself  in  the  Book  of  Genesis  is  the  sublime  fact  that 
the  whole  universe  is  the  handiwork  of  the  one  and 
only  God. 

The  universe  was  the  creative  act  of  God.  This  is 
what  the  Jew  taught,  and  this  we  believe.  But  let  it 
be  noticed  that  the  Jew  did  not  say  anything  about 
the  beginning  of  God.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  he  be- 
lieved that  there  was  no  time  when  God  was  not. 
That  is,  he  never  questioned  the  eternity  of  God,  and 
therefore  never  questioned  God's  existence.  There  is 
no  atheism  in  the  Old  Testament;  there  is  no  scep- 
ticism. Whatever  else  was  doubted,  the  idea  of  the 
non-existence  of  God  never  occurred  to  a  Hebrew 
mind.  Faith  in  God's  creative  power  and  existence 
is  the  keynote  of  the  Old  Testament. 

What  are  the  two  religious  ideas  in  Gen.  1:1?  De- 
fine and  illustrate  the  use  of  the  word  "create"  in 
Gen.  1:1.  What  was  the  Jewish  idea  of  the  uni- 
verse?   What  was  the  Israelitish  conception  of  God? 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "God".  Make  a  brief  out- 
line of  the  development  of  the  idea  of  God  in  Israel. 

Ill 

Eead :  The  Dictionary,  "Trinity". 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  23 

11 
SPIRIT  OF  GOD 


Read:  Gen.  1:2;  Ryle,  1:2. 

Mankind  has  learned  only  gradually  to  know  the 
true  character  of  God.  The  Jews  of  the  sixth  century 
B.  C.  had  not  arrived  at  a  conception  of  a  trinity  of 
persons  in  the  Godhead.  The  term  "spirit  of  God",  in 
this  passage,  meant  to  the  Hebrews  the  invisible 
creative  power  of  God.  It  did  not  mean  to  them  what 
it  means  to  us.  Our  Lord  revealed  the  true  character 
of  God,  and  told  us  of  his  Holy  Spirit.  The  Church 
teaches  the  divinity  and  personality  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  has  defined  his  attributes.  St.  John 
teaches  that  God  created  the  universe  by  means  of 
this  Word,  the  second  person  of  the  Trinity,  and  since 
there  are  three  persons  in  the  Godhead,  and  all  three 
may  be  conceived  of  as  acting  together,  it  is  possible 
for  us  to  see  in  this  verse  the  Hebrew  expression  of 
that  idea  which  later  attached  itself  to  the  Christian 
conception  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  "earth"  in  Gen.  1:2? 
What  is  alone  the  essential  agreement  between  Gen- 
esis and  science  as  to  Creation?  What  is  meant  bv 
"the  deep"? 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Holv  Spirit",  §§1-2; 
"Spirit". 


24  The  Book  of  Genesis 

III 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Holy  Spirit".     Outline  the 
Church's  doctrine  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

12 
AND  GOD  SAID 


Read :  Gen.  1:3;  Eyle,  1 :  3 ;  The  Dictionary,  "Light". 

The  creation  of  all  things  by  a  divine  word  is  an 
idea,  so  far  as  is  at  present  known,  peculiar,  in  early 
times,  to  Hebrew  thought.  But  the  tendency  to  per- 
sonify the  "word"  of  the  gods,  chiefly  as  a  destructive 
power,  can  be  traced  back  in  Semitic  thought  to  about 
3000  B.  C.  The  ancient  Babylonians,  to  whom  the 
Hebrews  were  related,  offered  prayers  and  sung  hymns 
in  honor  of  the  "Word",  which  they  personified. 

In  the  Old  Testament  the  "word"  of  God  is  never 
personified,  but  it  is  spoken  of  as  the  creative  power 
of  God,  by  which  his  operations  were  made  manifest. 
It  is  always  a  beneficent  agency. 

The  Babylonian  idea  of  personification  and  the 
Hebrew  conception  of  the  beneficent  creative  power 
of  the  "word"  blended  into  the  later  Hebrew-Greek 
idea  of  the  Logos,  and,  "when  the  fulness  of  time  was 
come",  the  manifestation  of  God  in  human  form 
proved  to  be  the  goal  to  which  the  Semitic  idea  of 
the  "word"  was  moving  throughout  the  centuries. 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  25 

What  is  the  relation  between  the  "word"  of  Genesis 
^         and  the  "Word"  of  St.  John  ?     What  was  the  Hebrew 
conception  of  "light"  ? 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Logos". 

Ill 

Write  a  brief  paper  on  the  relation  between  the 
"Holy  Spirit"  and  the  "Word". 

13 

DAY  AND  NIGHT 


Read :  Gen.  1:4-5;  Ryle,  1 :  4-5. 

The  first  act  of  creation  after  the  organization  of 
the  universe  was  thought  to  have  been  light.  There 
need  be  no  misgivings  about  unsuccessful  attempts  to 
reconcile  Biblical  science  with  modern  science.  In 
this  Genesis  account  we  have  an  expression  of  the 
best  Hebrew  information  of  the  sixth  century  B.  C. 
It  was  then  believed  that  light,  the  emblem  of  God,  in 
whom  "is  no  darkness  at  all",  and  of  Jesus  Christ, 
"the  true  light  that  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh 
into  the  world",  had  an  existence  independent  of  the 


26  The  Book  of  Genesis 

heavenly  bodies,  and  that  all  phenomena  had  their 
origin  directly  in  God. 

Similarly,  darkness  was  not  merely  the  absence  of 
light,  but  was  a  separate  and  distinct  phenomenon 
created  by  God.  God  called  the  darkness  "night"  and 
the  light  he  called  "day". 

The  Hebrew  idea  of  "day"  was  very  simple  and  ob- 
jective. It  was  a  period  of  twenty-four  hours,  be- 
ginning at  eventide.  The  Hebrew  believed  that  the 
world  was  created  in  six  actual  days,  and  on  the 
seventh  God  rested.  The  Sabbath  was  thus  always  an 
actual  memorial  of  God's  rest  from  his  labor,  and  not 
merely  a  symbol  of  a  period  of  indefinite  time.  The 
Jew's  faith  in  God's  power  was  limitless,  but  his 
scientific  knowledge  was  that  of  his  own  time. 

Describe  the  Hebrew  "day".  What  did  the  He- 
brews believe  to  have  been  the  source  of  light  ?  What 
is  the  purpose  of  the  sentence:  "And  God  saw 
. that  it  was  good"  ? 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Time". 

Ill 

Write  a  short  paper  on  the  Hebrew  division  of  time. 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  27 

14 
FIRMAMENT  AND  HEAVEN 


Read :  Gen.  1:6-8;  Ryle,  1:6-8;  Job  36 :  27-29 ;  37 : 
16;  38:28-29;  Ps.  147:16-18. 

After  light  and  darkness  were  created,  the  Hebrews 
believed  that  the  great  watery  mass,  upon  which  the 
Spirit  of  God  moved,  was  divided  into  two  great 
oceans  or  seas.  That  which  separated  them  was  called 
the  raqia  or  firmament.  It  is  the  "great  blue"  which 
we  see  when  we  look  up.  Not  being  acquainted  with 
later  science,  the  Hebrews  of  the  sixth  century  B.  C. 
believed  that  the  firmament  was  a  solid,  stationary 
mass,  through  which  there  were  apertures,  which 
allowed  the  rains  from  the  waters  above  the  firmament 
to  descend  upon  the  earth.  The  giving  and  with- 
holding of  the  rain  were  completely  in  the  power  of 
God.  His  providence  was  a  really  present  one.  His 
mercies  were  forever  new.  Nothing  happened  and  he 
did  not  know  and  do  it. 

Describe  the  Hebrew  idea  of  the  raqia.  What  does 
Job  say  about  the  relation  between  God  and  physical 
phenomena?     Illustrate  from  Job  36-39. 

II 
Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Creation",  "Heaven". 


28  The  Book  of  Genesis 

III 

Describe  the  Hebrew  conception  of  the  universe  and 
draw  a  diagram  representing  it. 

15 
THE  EARTH 


Read:  Gen.  1:9-10;  Ryle,  1:9-10;  Pss.  24:2;  104: 
3-9;  Gen.  7:11;  Job  38:4-11. 

The  Hebrews  thought  that  after  the  waters  were 
divided  into  two  parts,  being  separated  into  upper  and 
lower  waters  by  the  firmament,  God  assembled  out  of 
the  lower  watery  mass  that  out  of  which  he  made  dry 
land.  The  residue  he  called  "seas",  and  he  called  the 
dry  land  "earth".  They  thought  that  the  earth  re- 
posed upon  the  seas,  which  extended  beyond  the  earth 
on  all  sides  and  was  only  restrained  from  commingling 
with  the  waters  above  by  the  firmament. 

Just  as  the  waters  above  the  firmament  were  the 
source  of  all  rain,  mist,  dew,  and  clouds;  so  those 
below  the  firmament  were  the  source  of  all  wells, 
streams,  rivers,  and  lakes  upon  the  earth.  But  here 
again  wells,  streams,  rivers,  and  lakes  would  remain 
dry  were  it  not  for  God's  all-knowing  providence. 

Describe  the  Hebrew  idea  of  the  "earth".  How 
does  it  differ  from  what  geology  teaches  ? 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  29 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "World",  "Earth",  "Water". 

Ill 

Write  a  short  paper  on  the  world  as  the  Hebrews 
knew  it,  and  God's  relation  to  it. 

16 

VEGETABLE  LIFE 


Read :  Gen.  1 :  11-13 ;  Ryle,  1 :  11-13 ;  St.  Mark  4 :  28 ; 
St.  James  3 :  11-12. 

Spontaneous  generation  or  abiogenesis  is  not  yet,  at 
any  rate,  demonstrable  by  modern  science.  Just  as 
God  supplied  the  missing  link  between  nothing  and 
matter,  and  between  chaos  and  order,  so  now  we  see 
his  omnipotent  creative  energy  bridging  the  chasm 
between  matter  and  life  of  the  lowest  order.  In  this 
conception  we  have  not  proceeded  further  than  where 
the  Jews  of  the  sixth  century  B.  C.  were.  The  power 
of  reproduction  in  all  life  was  placed  there  by 
Jehovah,  from  whom  all  things  come. 

Describe  the  botany  of  the  first  chapter  of  Genesis. 
Compare  it  with  modern  botany. 


30  The  Book  of  Genesis 

II 

Read:   The  Dictionary,  "Life",  "Grass",  "Tree", 
"Israel,  II,  1  (5)". 

Ill 

Write  a  short  paper  on  Trees  in  the  Old  Testament. 

17 
THE  HEAVENLY  BODIES 


Read :  Gen.  1 :  14-19  ;  Ryle,  1 :  14-19 ;  Job  28  :  31-33  ; 
Pss.  8:3-4;  19:1-6;  104:19-24;  St,  Matt.  5: 
45 ;  Acts  14 :  17 ;  Romans  1 :  19-20  ;  1 :  21-23. 

The  sacred  writer  continues  in  his  simple  way  to 
tell  the  order  in  which,  as  he  thought,  God's  work  of 
creation  was  performed.  The  making  of  the  heavenly 
bodies  followed  that  of  vegetable  life  but  preceded 
that  of  animal  life.  The  Hebrews  looked  upon  the 
heavenly  bodies  as  semi-personal  beings  to  whom 
"dominion"  was  given.  The  appropriate  order,  there- 
fore, was  after  vegetation.  They  did  not  worship  the 
sun,  moon,  and  stars,  as  the  Babylonians  did.  But 
back  of  the  account  is  the  universal  Semitic  custom 
of  such  worship,  and  the  instructive  thing  about  these 
passages  is  the  way  in  which  Israel  and  early  Chris- 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  31 

tianity  were  shaking  off  the  idolatrous  shackles  of 
the  past. 

The  Hebrew  universe  was  geocentric,  with  the 
heavenly  bodies  hanging  from  the  firmament  like 
bulbs  from  the  ceiling  of  a  magnificent  room.  Later 
scientific  knowledge  has  changed  all  this.  But  we 
still  insist  that  the  whole  universe  is  homocentric,  and 
that  the  noblest  act  in  the  great  drama  of  creation 
was  the  making  of  man.  Hence  the  unique  relation- 
ship between  God  and  man. 

Why  did  God  call  into  existence  the  heavenly 
bodies?  Explain  the  order  of  creation,  as  given  in 
Genesis. 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Sun",  "Moon",  "Stars". 

Ill 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Idolatry".  Write  a  short 
paper  on  the  causes  of  Hebrew  idolatry. 


18 
ANIMAL  LIFE 


Head :  Gen.  1 :  20-26 ;  Ryle,  1 :  20-26 ;  Ps.  104 :  25-30. 

After  the  creation  of  the  heavenly  bodies  came  that 
of  fish,  birds,  and  beasts.     The  order  given  indicates 


32  The  Book  of  Cenesis 

the  Hebrew  conception  of  priority  among  animals. 
The  modern  idea  of  evolution  is  entirely  absent  from 
these  narratives.  Nor  ought  we  to  expect  it  to  be 
otherwise.  It  is  surely  legitimate  to  believe  that  the 
race  increases  in  wisdom  and  in  the  understanding  of 
God's  ways  and  works.  There  is,  however,  a  type  of 
evolutionary  theory  which  those  who  believe  in  a  per- 
sonal God  cannot  accept.  It  is  that  type  which  speaks 
of  "spontaneous  generation"  and  "resident  forces". 
We  believe  in  the  scientific  theory  of  evolution;  we 
follow  science  wherever  she  unerringly  leads ;  but  we 
have  faith  to  believe  that  if  the  "riddle"  of  life  is  ever 
solved,  it  will  be  found  in  the  knowledge  of  God. 
The  world  is  eloquent  with  evidence  of  evolution,  but 
every  atom  and  fibre  of  it  beats  with  a  meaning  and 
purpose  which  are  God's.  And  so,  God  the  source 
of  all  blesses  all.  That  is  the  inspiration  of  Genesis. 
How  did  the  Hebrews  classify  land  animals? 
What  evidence  of  the  evolutionary  theory  is  to  be 
found  in  verse  twenty-four? 

II 

What  psalm  is  a  hymn  of  creation  ?  What  chapter 
of  Job  should  be  studied  in  connection  with  Genesis 
1?  What  organs  of  movement  are  adapted  to  the 
several  elements :  sea,  air,  land  ? 

Ill 

Make  a  written  comparison  between  the  accounts 
of  creation  in  Genesis  1  and  in  the  Psalms  and  in 
Job. 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  33 

19 
CREATION  OF  MAN 


Eead :  Gen.  1:26;  Kyle,  1 :  26,  and  Special  Notes  A 
and  B,  pp.  23-24. 

The  last  and  crowning  work  of  creation  was  the 
making  of  man.  Every  main  element  in  the  universe 
was  the  result  of  a  creative  act  of  God.  This  was 
the  Hebrew's  science  and  faith.  The  greatness  and 
wisdom  of  God  are  not  in  the  least  questioned  if  we 
see  in  the  world  in  which  we  live  a  gradual  develop- 
ment from  lower  to  higher  forms  of  life.  For  the 
beginning  of  the  development  is  in  God;  and  in  him 
and  through  him  do  all  things  live  and  grow.  There 
need  be  no  more  difference  between  man  and  animals 
than  between  a  lower  state  of  being  and  a  higher.  If 
it  ever  did  happen,  or  if  it  ever  should,  that  an  animal 
developed  into  a  man,  the  developed  form,  man,  would 
be  man,  and  as  such  he  would  be  an  example  of  the 
crowning  work  of  God's  activity.  However  it  came 
about,  the  Book  of  Genesis  teaches  us  that  man  is  the 
center  of  God's  universe,  and  we  believe  it  and  accept 
its  responsibility. 

What  are  the  different  interpretations  of  the  plural 
in  the  phrase,  'let  us  make"?  What  are  the  objec- 
tions to  them  ?     Which  is  preferable  ? 

II 
Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Man". 


34  The  Book  of  Genesis 

III 

Write  a  short  paper  on  the  Christian  conception  of 
man. 

20 

THE  IMAGE  AND  LIKENESS  OF  GOD 


Read:  Gen.  1:26-27;  Eyle,  1:26-27;  Colossians  3: 
10 ;  Ecclesiastes  7 :  29 ;  Ephesians  4 :  24 ;  Romans 
2:15;  The  Dictionary,  "Woman". 
The  words  which  the  sacred  writer  nsed  to  describe 
man's  similarity  to  God  are  translated  "image"  and 
"likeness".  The  former  has  reference  to  the  more 
physical  and  the  latter  to  the  more  spiritual  aspect 
of  man's  nature.  Physically,  man  is  a  counterpart 
of  what  the  Hebrew  pictured  God  to  be.  We  think 
of  God  in  terms  of  our  knowledge — our  own  ex- 
perience. God  is  thought  of,  then,  as  a  man,  only 
larger  and  more  powerful  than  any  human  being. 
But  he  is  also  a  spirit,  the  source  of  all  spiritual  ex- 
istence (Ecclesiastes  12:7).  The  spirituality  of 
man's  nature,  therefore,  is  the  likeness  of  God.  This 
likeness  involves  and  implies  intuitive  knowledge  and 
reason,  uprightness  and  holiness,  conscience,  free 
moral  agency,  worship  of  and  communion  with  God, 
immortality,  capacity  for  labor  apart  from  the 
necessary  struggle  for  existence,  and  the  power  of 
rational  speech. 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  35 

What  is  meant  by  "image"  and  "likeness"?  In 
what  does  the  likeness  of  God  consist  ?  According  to 
Genesis  1,  what  is  the  origin  of  the  human  woman  ? 

II 

Eead :  The  Dictionary,  "Psychology",  "Image". 

Ill 

Write  a  brief  paper  on  Biblical  psychology. 

21 
MAN'S  COMMISSION 


Eead :  Gen.  1 :  28-31 ;  Ryle,  1 :  28-31 ;  Ps.  8  :  5-9 ;  He- 
brews 2:5-11;  Acts  17:26. 

The  Hebrews  firmly  believed  in  the  unity  of  the 
human  race.  The  earth's  population  came  from  one 
human  pair.  One  "male  and  female  made  he  them". 
They  were  given  the  order  to  "be  fruitful  and  multi- 
ply, and  replenish  the  earth,  and  subdue  it".  They 
were  to  range  over  all  zones  and  to  inhabit  all  zones. 
The  sea  was  to  be  their  home  as  well  as  the  land. 
On  the  contrary,  the  habitat  of  each  beast,  bird,  or 
fish  was  of  narrow  limit.  To  subdue  the  earth  was  a 
vast  commission  which  has  ever  since  been  calling  out 
all  of  man's  reserve  powers.     But  he  was  endowed 


36  The  Book  of  Genesis 

with  wisdom,  power,  and  the  spirit  of  invention  and 
exploration.  They  are  to  have  dominion  over  all 
things. 

The  question  whether  it  can  be  held  in  the  light  of 
modern  knowledge,  that  all  mankind  descended  from 
a  single  pair,  or  arose  independently  at  different 
points  on  the  earth's  surface,  does  not  affect  the  ques- 
tion of  the  essential  unity  of  mankind.  The  real 
unity  of  the  human  race  consists  not  in  unity  of 
physical  origin,  but  in  unity  of  mental  equipment 
and  spiritual  capacity.  We  are  all  the  children  of 
God  by  adoption  and  grace,  though  the  offspring  of 
human  parentage. 

What  was  the  writer's  conception  of  the  nature  of 
man's  food  previous  to  the  Flood  ?  Interpret  "meat" 
in  verse  thirty.     Review  Studies  8-21. 

II 

Read:  Ryle,  pp.  447-451. 

Ill 

Write  a  detailed  comparison  between  the  Old  Testa- 
ment and  the  Babylonian  accounts  of  Creation. 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  37 

22 
THE  SABBATH 


Read :  Gen.  2  :  l-4a;  Ryle,  2  :  l-4a ;  St.  Mark  2  :  27-28. 

Although  the  name  Sabbath  is  not  used  in  this 
account  of  God's  rest  day,  it  is  assumed  with  good 
reason  on  the  basis  of  the  Hebrew  word  for  "rest", 
shabath,  that  in  saying  that  God  "rested  on  the  seventh 
da/',  he  had  in  mind  the  Sabbath.  By  the  time  of 
the  sixth  century  B.  C.  every  seventh  day,  or  the 
Sabbath,  was  treated  as  a  holy  day — a  day  of  rest, 
not  in  the  sense  of  idleness,  but  in  the  sense  of  cessa- 
tion from  ordinary  employment. 

The  early  Church  commemorated  the  resurrection 
of  Christ  by  transferring  from  the  seventh  day  of  the 
week  to  the  first  all  characteristics  of  the  Jewish 
Sabbath.  Thus,  on  Sunday  we  do  not  only  remind 
ourselves  of  the  divine  origin  of  all  things,  and  of  the 
necessity  of  a  periodic  renewal  of  physical  and  mental 
energy,  but  also  of  the  glorious  resurrection  of  Christ 
from  the  dead  and  of  the  need  of  our  continuous 
spiritual  renewal  to  be  made  worthy  of  his  great  name. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  "host"  in  Gen.  2:1? 
Write  a  short  account  of  the  Hebrew  Sabbath  and  the 
Christian  Sunday. 

II 
Read :  Ryle,  "Note  on  the  Sabbath",  p.  40f .     Com- 


38  The  Book  °f  Genesis 

pare  the   Hebrew  and   the  Babylonian   idea   of   the 
Sabbath. 

Ill 

Read:   The   Dictionary.   "Sabbath".      Discuss   the 
religious  significance  of  the  Sabbath. 


23 

SECOND  ACCOUNT  OF  MAN'S  CREATION 


Read :  Gen.  2  :  4b-7 ;  Ryle,  2 :  4b-7. 

Palestine  for  many  years  was  divided  into  two 
kingdoms,  the  North  and  the  South.  In  both,  in- 
habited by  Hebrews,  stories  about  the  creation  of  men 
arose.  These  stories  were  finally  compiled,  written 
down,  and  handed  on  in  manuscript  form  from  gen- 
eration to  generation.  The  compiler  of  the  stories 
that  had  been  preserved  in  the  North  used  the  word 
"Elohim"  for  the  divine  being,  but  the  compiler  in 
the  South  used  the  word  "Jehovah".  We,  therefore, 
speak  of  the  compiler  of  the  South  as  J. 

In  the  second  chapter  of  Genesis  we  have  a  second 
account  of  man's  creation.  The  style  is  different 
from  that  in  the  first  chapter;  the  order  of  creative 
acts  is  different,  for  the  creation  of  man  comes  first 
instead  of  last  as  in  the  first  chapter;  and  the  word 
used  for  the  divine  being  is  Jehovah,  with  Elohim, 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  39 

God.  In  this  second  chapter  of  Genesis  we  have, 
then,  the  account  of  creation  which  was  known  in  the 
southern  kingdom.  It  is  the  oldest  of  all  the  accounts 
of  creation,  and  was  compiled  about  800  B.  C.  The 
account  of  creation  known  to  the  northern  kingdom 
has  not  been  preserved.  The  account  in  the  first 
chapter  of  Genesis  is  the  story  as  understood  by 
priestly  writers  of  the  sixth  century  B.  C. 

It  will  be  noticed  that  the  account  of  the  creation 
of  man  in  this  chapter  is  simpler  and  more  naive. 

Discuss  the  use  of  the  words  "Jehovah"  and  "God". 
Explain  the  Hebrew  use  of  the  word  "man".  Give 
the  psychology  of  Gen.  2. 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Genesis",  2. 

Ill 

Write  a  short  paper  on  the  Literary  Sources  of  the 
Book  of  Genesis. 


24 
THE  GARDEN  OF  EDEN 


Read:  Gen.  2:  8-17;  Ryle,  2:  8-17. 

The  Hebrews  as  well  as  other  early  races  had  a  tra- 
dition about  a  garden  which  was  the  home  of  the 


40  The  Book  of  Genesis 

ancestors  of  the  race.  The  Hebrew  story  locates  the 
garden  in  southern  Babylonia.  For  this  reason  it 
would  seem  plausible  that  the  Hebrew  story  was 
Babylonian  in  origin.  Or  that  both  the  Hebrew  and 
the  Babylonian  had  a  common  origin. 

There  are  two  difficulties  in  connection  with  the 
details  of  the  garden.  The  first  has  to  do  with  the 
number  of  trees.  The  idea  of  sacred  trees  is  common 
to  all  primitive  peoples.  But  the  sacred  tree  is  al- 
most universally  the  "tree  of  life".  The  detail  pe- 
culiar to  the  Hebrew  story  is  the  "tree  of  the  knowl- 
edge of  good  and  evil".  This  was  probably  the  one 
tree  of  the  original  Hebrew  story.  The  other  tree 
was  put  in  the  story  at  a  later  date  to  harmonize  the 
Hebrew  with  the  Babylonian  story. 

The  second  difficulty  has  to  do  with  the  identifica- 
tion of  the  rivers.  About  two  of  them  there  is  no 
question.  Archaeological  investigations  have  shown 
that  when  the  story  of  the  garden  arose,  the  Persian 
Gulf  extended  much  farther  north  than  at  present. 
Much  land  has  been  made  since  by  the  debris  carried 
down  by  the  Tigris  and  Euphrates.  The  two  rivers 
Pishon  and  Gihon  were  smaller  streams  in  southern 
Babylonia  which  have  disappeared  with  the  filling  in 
of  the  northern  end  of  the  Gulf.  There  is  archaeo- 
logical and  textual  evidence  for  this  statement. 

Just  as  man  looks  forward  to  a  golden  era,  so  he 
has  been  accustomed  to  look  to  the  past  for  a  similar 
time.  Man  was  created  in  the  image  and  likeness  of 
God,  and  as  such  was  sinless.  For  a  sinless  man,  the 
human  mind  has  always  tried  to  construct  an  ideal 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  4 1 

abode.     Hence,  the  story  of  the  garden  in  the  Baby- 
lonian plain. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  Eden?  How  many  trees 
were  originally  reserved?  What  is  the  meaning  of 
"knowledge  of  good  and  evil"  ?  Name  the  four  rivers, 
and  discuss  their  identification. 

II 

Eead :  Kyle,  "Note  on  the  Rivers  of  Paradise",  pp. 
47-48;  The  Dictionary,  "Paradise",  "Eden,  Garden 
of",  "Eiver". 

Ill 

Write  a  short  thesis  on  the  Garden  of  Eden. 


25 
WOMAN  AND  MARRIAGE 


Read:  Gen.  2: 18-25;  Ryle,  2: 18-25. 

In  the  first  chapter  of  Genesis  mankind,  male  and 
female,  is  created.  In  the  second  chapter,  first  man 
is  created;  and  last  of  all,  woman  is  formed  from 
man.  The  account,  though  perhaps  taken  originally 
as  an  accurate  statement  of  fact,  may  be  considered 
a  poetic  symbolism  of  the  relation  between  man  and 
woman. 

A  marriage  of  some  kind  can  be  traced  back  to  the 
earliest  periods  of  human  life.     Anthropologically,  the 


42  The  Book  of  Genesis 

earliest  marriage  was  what  is  called  a  "beena"  mar- 
riage. The  man  left  his  family  and  joined  the  family 
of  his  bride.  That  is,  the  earliest  family  was  ma- 
triarchal. That  was  natural,  because  in  a  period 
when  the  husband  and  father  had  no  sense  of 
moral  responsibility,  the  children  were  obliged  to 
cling  to  the  mother  for  necessary  sustenance.  The 
marriage  described  in  this  chapter  of  Genesis  is  not 
the  "beena"  marriage.  It  is  the  regular  patriarchal 
marriage  of  a  morally  developed  people.  The  man 
leaves  his  father  and  mother  not  to  join  himself  to  the 
father  and  mother  of  his  bride,  but  to  form  a  new 
family. 

The  story  brings  out  very  beautifully  the  close  and 
ideal  relationship  that  should  exist  between  a  man  and 
his  wife. 

Discuss  the  phrase  "helpmeet".  Show  how  vv.  21- 
22  may  be  considered  poetic  symbolism,  and  what  is 
the  signification?  What  was  the  Hebrew  idea  of 
marriage  ?  What  is  the  difference  in  mode  of  animal 
creation  between  Genesis  1  and  2  ? 

II 

Read:    The    Dictionary,    "Woman",    "Marriage", 

§§  1-8. 

Ill 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Family".  Write  a  short 
paper  on  marriage  among  the  early  Hebrews. 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  43 

26  and  27 

REVIEW 

Read:  Ryle,  "Note  on  the  Cosmogonies  of  Genesis'', 
pp.  42-44;  "The  Six  Days",  pp.  44-45 ;  "The  Cos- 
mogonies and  Science  and  Religion",  pp.  45-46. 

Eeview  Studies  8-25  inclusive,  and  be  prepared  for 
an  examination  on  them. 

28 

THE  TEMPTATION 

I 

Read :  Gen.  3:1-5;  Ryle,  3 : 1-5. 

Much  time  must  have  passed  between  the  events 
described  in  chapters  two  and  three.  The  story  of  the 
temptation  is  introduced  very  abruptly.  It  seems, 
however,  that  the  writer  means  to  describe  what  he 
considers  to  be  the  cause  of  the  first  sin.  He  assumes 
that  there  are  animals  which  are  gifted  with  keen 
reasoning  and  the  power  of  speech.  One  species  of 
these  is  the  serpent,  which  "was  more  subtle  than  any 
beast  of  the  field".  To  him  was  ascribed  the  desire 
to  question  the  woman's  faith  in  God.  The  serpent 
begins  by  asking  a  question  about  a  matter  of  which 
he  himself  evidently  had  knowledge.  The  woman 
answers  in  a  manner  which  showed  her  complete  faith 


44  The  Book  of  Genesis 

in  God.  Then  the  serpent  directly  contradicts  God — 
"Ye  shall  not  surely  die."  His  purpose  is  to  break 
the  woman's  faith  in  God,  and  then  to  lead  her  into 
disobedience.  He  finally  imputes  a  questionable 
motive  to  God.  God,  he  says,  had  forbidden  mankind 
to  eat  of  the  tree  because  he  feared  that  they  would 
become  as  wise  as  he  himself. 

The  first  temptation,  then,  came  from  the  lower 
order  of  created  beings — from  an  animal.  Mankind, 
it  seems,  was  created  sinless.  The  origin  of  evil  is 
not  in  man.  Whether  God  created  evil  or  not,  the 
writer  does  not  say.  He,  however,  ascribes  the  power 
of  tempting  to  the  serpent,  who  attacked  the  faith 
and  obedience  of  the  woman. 

If  the  original  story  knew  only  of  a  tree  of  the 
knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  it  would  seem  certain 
that  the  Hebrew  writer  believed  that  man  was  created 
immortal.  The  "tree  of  life"  was  added,  without 
altering  the  original  story,  by  a  writer  who  believed 
that  man  was  created  subject  to  death. 

What  is  the  link  which  connects  chapters  two  and 
three  of  Genesis?  Describe  the  serpent  and  his 
method  of  temptation.  Write  a  note  on,  "ye  shall  be 
as  God". 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Temptation",  "Death", 
"Satan". 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  Old  Testament  idea  of  death. 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  45 

29 
THE  FALL 


Read :  Gen.  3:6-8;  Ryle,  3:6-8;  St.  James  1 :  14-15 ; 
The  Dictionary,  "Fall". 

If  our  hearts  condemn  us,  how  much  more  will  God, 
who  is  greater  than  our  hearts,  condemn  us?  The 
first  sin  described  in  Genesis  is  distrust  of  God  and 
consequent  disobedience.  The  writer  describes  con- 
sciousness as  an  opening  of  the  eyes.  It  is  his  way 
of  explaining  how  it  came  about  that  man  could  dis- 
tinguish between  right  and  wrong.  The  power,  he 
thought,  came  not  as  a  result  of  human  experience, 
gradually  developed;  but  as  a  mysterious  power  by 
which  Adam  and  Eve  were  endowed  as  a  result  of 
eating  the  fruit  of  the  forbidden  tree.  The  fruit  had 
the  power  of  imparting  to  man  an  ability  to  dis- 
tinguish between  right  and  wrong.  It  gave  man  a 
conscience. 

The  conscience  of  Adam  and  Eve  condemned 
them,  and,  as  soon  as  they  heard  God  coming  to  them, 
they  became  afraid  and  hid  themselves.  They  knew 
that  if  their  own  conscience  condemned  them,  God 
would  surely  condemn  them  also. 

How  did  the  woman  know  that  the  tree  was  good 
for  food?  Comment  upon  the  phrase,  "the  eyes  of 
them  both  were  opened".     What  word  should  replace 


46  The  Book  of  Genesis 

II 
Read:  Kyle,  "Note  on  the  Fall",  pp.  60-67. 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  significance  of  the  Fall.     Is 
temptation  necessary  for  man's  moral  development? 


30 

SIN 


Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Sin,  I.     The  Old  Testament". 

Sin  implies  a  law  or  standard  of  righteousness,  and 
the  law  implies  a  lawgiver.     The  lawgiver  is  God. 

There  are  false  ideas  about  sin.  It  is  sometimes 
considered  weakness,  inherent  in  the  body,  voluntary 
transgression  of  a  known  law,  and  a  necessary  dis- 
cipline. Rather,  sin  is  a  lack  of  conformity  to  the 
moral  law  of  God,  either  in  act,  disposition,  or  state. 
The  essence  of  sin  is  selfishness;  that  is,  putting  self 
in  place  of  God.  It  is  not  merely  negative;  it  is  a 
positive  choice  of  self  instead  of  God.  It  has  four 
principal  characteristics  or  manifestations :  (1)  Self- 
sufficiency  instead  of  faith;  (2)  Self-will  instead  of 
submission;  (3)  Self-seeking  instead  of  benevolence ; 
(4)  Self-righteousness  instead  of  humility  and 
reverence. 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  47 

What  is  the  result  and  penalty  of  sin?     What  is 
the  means  of  salvation  ? 


II 

What  is  meant  by  total  depravity  (Ephesians  2:3)? 
What  part  does  Grace  play  in  salvation  ( I  Kings  8 : 
46 ;  Romans  3  :  10,  12,  23 ;  Galatians  3:22;  St.  James 
3:2;  I  St.  John  1:8)?  When  a  trained  dog  fails 
to  obey  his  master,  does  he  sin  ?  Is  man  alone  capable 
of  sinning  ? 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  idea  of  sin  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment. 


31 

THE  TRIAL 

I 
Read :  Gen.  3  :  9-13 ;  Ryle,  3  :  9-13. 

At  last  Jehovah's  voice  was  heard  calling  to  Adam, 
"Where  art  thou?"  Hiding  could  not  deliver  the 
man  and  his  wife.  "No  man,"  as  Jeremiah  loved  to 
say,  "can  hide  from  God."  Adam  tries  to  avoid 
Jehovah's  question.  He  says  he  was  naked,  and  so 
was  afraid.  At  that  Jehovah  interrogates,  "Who  told 
thee  that  thou  wast  naked  ?"  And  without  awaiting 
a  reply,  asks  the  convicting  question,  "Hast  thou  eaten 


48  The  Book  of  Genesis 

of  the  tree,  whereof  I  commanded  thee  that  thou 
shouldest  not  eat?"  True  to  human  nature,  Adam 
tries  to  avoid  the  issue,  and  Jehovah  leaves  the  rest  to 
Adam's  own  conscience.  He  then  turns  to  the 
woman,  who  likewise  passes  on  the  blame.  God  does 
not  ask  the  serpent  any  questions.  He  pronounces 
judgment. 

What  are  the  findings  of  the  trial?  Collect  four 
passages  from  as  many  books  of  the  Old  Testament 
which  show  the  Hebrew  belief  in  God's  omniscience. 

II 

Make  a  written  comparison  between  the  way  in 
which  Jehovah  questions  Adam  and  Job. 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  Adam's  opportunity  of  confession 
and  contrition.  If  the  man  and  woman  had  frankly 
confessed  their  sin,  what,  by  implication,  would  have 
been  the  effect:  first,  upon  themselves,  and  second, 
upon  the  attitude  and  action  of  God? 


32 
THE  SENTENCE 

I 

Read :  Gen.  3  :  14-19 ;  Kyle,  3  :  14-19  ;  The  Dictionary, 
"Messiah,  I,  §§  1-5". 
The  sentence  on  the  serpent  is  pronounced  first. 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  49 

"Cursed  shalt  thou  be  more  than  all  the  beasts  of  the 
field."  The  serpent  is  cursed  because,  being  intelli- 
gent, he  was  consequently  responsible.  But  the 
woman's  sentence  is  more  severe,  because  of  her 
assumed  higher  intelligence.  So  was  Adam's.  But 
in  both  cases,  is  not  the  wrestling,  the  curse,  counter- 
balanced by  the  blessing  which  comes  to  those  who 
bravely  wrestle? 

Verse  fifteen,  which  should  be  committed  to 
memory,  is  one  of  the  most  important  in  the  Old 
Testament.  It  has  been  called  the  Protevangelium. 
And  while  there  is  no  direct  prediction  of  an  ultimate 
victory,  there  is,  nevertheless,  the  assertion  of  a  closely 
contested  struggle  between  tempter  and  tempted. 
Further  Hebrew  religious  thought  developed  the  idea 
of  a  future  golden  age,  when  the  Messianic  King 
would  rule  over  a  kingdom  freed  from  all  evil  and  its 
consequences.  And  Christianity  proclaims  the  person 
and  power  by  which  good  will  ultimately  be  victorious 
over  evil. 

Write  a  note  on  the  personal  pronoun  "it"  in  the 
sentence,  "it  shall  bruise".  What  is  the  value  of 
suffering  ? 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Messiah,  II-V". 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  Protevangelium  and  the 
Messiah. 


50  The  Book  of  Genesis 

33 

ADAM  AND  EVE 


Eead :  Gen.  3  :  20-21 ;  Ryle,  3  :  20-21 ;  The  Dictionary, 
"Adam",  "Eve". 

Before  this,  Adam's  wife  was  called  woman.  Now 
she  is  given  a  name  which  signifies  "life",  because  she 
was  believed  to  have  been  the  mother  of  the  whole 
human  race. 

The  unit  of  ancient  life  was  the  family,  and  here, 
in  the  Book  of  Genesis,  we  have  sin  beginning  only 
after  the  establishment  of  a  family.  Sin  then  has  a 
social  aspect  as  well  as  being  a  contravention  of  the 
will  of  God.  Not  only  did  the  woman  first  sin,  but 
she  also  tempted  Adam,  who  fell  into  sin.  Are  we 
not  responsible  for  our  influence  upon  the  different 
members  of  our  family  and  of  our  neighbors  ?  Note 
that  in  the  story,  the  temptation  did  not  come  to  man 
through  his  appetite  or  his  curiosity  or  his  esthetic 
sense,  but  through  his  wife  whom  God  had  given  to 
him.     Was  the  man's  act  in  any  way  excusable  ? 

Are  men  and  women  excused  when  they  sin  through 
the  influence  of  those  whom  they  love  and  admire? 
What  natural  impulses  impelled  the  woman  to  disobey 
the  divine  command?  Were  these  impulses  of  them- 
selves wrong?  In  what  form  did  temptation  come  to 
the  man  ? 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  5 1 

II 

Is  an  act  that  is  wrong  for  one  man  necessarily  a 
sin  if  committed  by  another  ?  Is  the  final  test  of  sin 
a  man's  consciousness  of  guilt  ?  May  Eve  be  regarded 
as  the  prototype  of  the  modern  scientist?  Are  there 
ways  in  which  the  scientist  may  sin  in  making  his 
investigations?     Illustrate.     How  about  vivisection? 

Ill 

Does  sin  bring  moral  enlightenment?  Distinguish 
between  our  Lord's  attitude  toward  sin  and  toward 
the  sinner.  What  should  be  our  attitude  toward  the 
sinner?  Does  temptation  to  sin,  as  in  the  case  of 
Adam,  often  come  in  the  guise  of  virtue?  What  is 
the  value  of  confession  ? 


34 

THE  EXPULSION  FROM  THE  GARDEN 


Read:  Gen.  3  :  22-24;  Ryle,  3  :  22-24. 

The  garden  of  Eden  was  believed  to  have  been  so 
fertile  as  not  to  require  the  labor  of  human  attention. 
And  so,  in  order  to  carry  out  his  sentence  upon  Adam, 
God  expelled  him  from  the  garden,  where  he  would 
be  obliged  to  earn  his  living  by  laboring  to  make  the 
ground  productive.     Jehovah  was  careful  not  to  allow 


52  The  Book  of  Cencsis 

Adam  and  his  wife  to  return  to  the  garden,  so  he 
placed  a  guard  at  the  gate.  The  imagery  used  by  the 
writer  is  Babylonian  and  Assyrian.  The  Cherubim 
were  figures  of  large  composite  monsters  which  stood 
at  the  entrance  of  temples  and  palaces.  The  "flame 
of  a  sword"  has  reference  to  the  Assyrian  flying  disc 
with  swords,  which  stood  as  an  emblem  over  the  door- 
way of  important  buildings. 

To  whom  does  Jehovah  address  the  words  of  verse 
twenty-two  ?  What  was  considered  the  earliest  human 
industry?  What  bearing  has  Adam's  possession  of 
free-will  upon  Jehovah's  guarding  the  entrance  to  the 
garden  ? 

II 

Eead:  The  Dictionary,  "Cherubim".  Study  Mil- 
ton's interpretation  of  Genesis  3  in  Paradise  Lost. 

Ill 

Write  a  brief  paper  on  the  nature  and  meaning  of 
cherubim  in  the  Old  Testament. 


35 
CHILDREN 

I 

Read :   Gen.   4:1-2;  Ryle,   4 :  1-2 ;   The   Dictionary, 
"Child,  Children". 
We  now  begin  the  fourth  chapter  of  Genesis.     We 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  53 

have  an  account  in  this  chapter  of  a  number  of  "first" 
things:  the  first  birth,  the  first  man  born  of  Adam 
and  Eve,  and  the  first  act  of  worship.  The  normal 
family  consists  of  father,  mother,  and  child.  What- 
ever may  be  the  technical  exegesis  of  the  phrase,  "I 
have  gotten  a  man  with  the  help  of  the  Lord",  it  cer- 
tainly may  be  taken  as  indicative  of  the  way  in  which 
we  relate  all  our  institutions  to  God.  The  one  in- 
telligence outside  ourselves,  with  whom  we  relate  our- 
selves, is  God.  The  love  of  parent  for  child  is  sym- 
bolical of  the  love  of  God  for  his  human  children. 

What  are  the  different  ways  in  which  the  phrase, 
"I  have  gotten  a  man  with  the  help  of  the  Lord",  has 
been  interpreted  ?    What  spiritual  signification  has  it  ? 

II 
Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Children  (Sons)  of  God". 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  filial  relationship  between 
Jehovah  and  Israel,  and  between  God  and  mankind. 


36 

SACRIFICE 


Read:   Gen.   4:3-7;  Ryle,   4:3-7;  The  Dictionary, 
"Sacrifice  and  Offering",  §§  3,  6. 
Mediation  has  ever  been  considered  the  normal  way 


54  The  Book  of  Genesis 

by  which  man  approaches  his  God.  Many  may  in- 
deed approach  God  directly,  but  mediation  is  the 
natural  and  historic  way.  The  great  Mediator  be- 
tween God  and  man  is  Christ.  In  early  times  the 
mediator  was  the  head  of  the  family,  the  king,  or  the 
ruler,  the  priest,  and  the  prophet.  The  official  me- 
diator was  the  priest.  Mediation  consists  not  only 
in  intercession,  but  in  sacrifice  as  well.  In  fact,  a 
man — a  priest — never  appeared  before  his  God  empty- 
handed.  To  ask  God  to  partake  in  a  common  meal 
or  to  receive  an  offering  was  always  considered  the 
legitimate  way  of  establishing  relationship  with  him. 
The  office  of  the  priest  as  mediator  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment is  always  recognized.  The  great  High  Priest  is 
Christ  our  Lord,  who  provided  a  means  of  mediation 
in  his  Church,  when  he  instituted  the  Christian 
priesthood  with  its  great  commemorative  sacrifice. 

How  many  kinds  of  sacrifice  are  referred  to  in  Gen. 
4  ?  Interpret  verse  seven.  Is  sin  personified  in  verse 
seven  ?     Explain. 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Sacrifice  and  Offering". 

Ill 

Write  a  short  paper  on  the  relation  between  the 
Eucharist  and  some  of  the  Old  Testament  sacrifices. 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  55 

37 
CAIN'S  MURDER  OF  ABEL 


Read:  Gen.  4:8-13;  Kyle,  4:8-13;  The  Dictionary, 
"Crimes  and  Punishments,  §  7",  "Blood". 

In  this  section  the  sacred  writer  depicts  the  first 
murder.  Cain  had  made  an  offering  to  God  which 
was  less  acceptable  than  that  of  his  brother  Abel. 
On  becoming  aware  of  this,  he  is  made  very  angry 
and  kills  his  brother.  He  is  prompted  by  jealousy. 
Jehovah  appears  and  questions  Cain,  even  as  he  did 
in  the  case  of  Eve's  sin.  Cain,  already  practised  in 
sin,  adds  yet  another,  that  of  falsehood.  To  Jehovah's 
question,  "Where  is  Abel  thy  brother  ?"  he  replies,  "I 
know  not" ;  and  also  adds  to  his  sin  of  falsehood  that 
of  defiance,  "Am  I  my  brother's  keeper?"  Jehovah 
then  points  out  the  necessity  of  punishment,  which 
always  follows  sin ;  and  pronounces  a  curse  upon  him. 

Explain  the  abruptness  of  the  sentence,  "And  Cain 
told  Abel  his  brother."  What  Semitic  idea  is  con- 
tained in  the  phrase,  "the  voice  of  thy  brother's 
blood"?  What  two  points  are  to  be  noticed  in  the 
sentence  upon  Cain  ? 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Ethics". 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  Old  Testament  Ethics. 


56  The  Book  of  Genesis 

38 

THE  IDEA  OF  GOD 


Read:  Gen.  4:  14-16;  Ryle,  4:  14-16. 

The  story  we  are  now  studying  was  compiled  as 
early  as  800  B.  C.  and  contains  material  much  older 
than  that  period.  We  shall  expect,  then,  to  find  com- 
paratively early  ideas  whenever  theological  subjects 
are  treated.  The  theological  phrase  which  arrests 
our  attention  here  is,  "from  thy  face  shall  I  be  hid". 
That  is,  when  this  story  grew  up,  the  Hebrews  be- 
lieved that  Jehovah  was  the  greatest  of  all  gods,  but 
that  there  were  other  gods.  They  believed  that 
Palestine  was  Jehovah's  country,  but  beyond  Palestine 
were  the  domains  of  other  deities.  Cain  complains 
that  in  being  driven  from  his  home  he  would  be 
driven  out  from  Jehovah's  presence,  and  he  fears  the 
consequences  of  meeting  strange  peoples  and  strange 
gods. 

What,  on  the  contrary,  was  the  idea  of  God  in  the 
time  of  Amos?  Illustrate.  Does  man's  conception 
of  God's  character  depend  upon  his  own  experience 
and  knowledge? 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Cain",  "Abel".  What  is 
the  significance  of  the  phrase,  "vengeance  shall  be 
taken  on  him  sevenfold"?  What  is  the  meaning  of 
the  sign  in  verse  fifteen? 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  57 

III 

Write  a  short  paper  on  the  Growth  of  the  Idea  of 
God  in  the  Old  Testament. 

39 
SOCIAL  MEANING  OF  THE  STORY  OF  CAIN 

I 
Read:  Gen.  4:  1-16;  St.  John  8:  3-11. 

In  Old  Testament  times  a  man's  prosperity  or  mis- 
fortune was  regarded  as  the  evidence  of  divine  ap- 
proval or  disapproval.  Jehovah  disapproved  of  Cain. 
Was  Cain  a  criminal  before  he  slew  his  brother? 
Legally?  Morally?  Was  Cain's  motive  in  the  wor- 
ship of  God  truly  religious  or  merely  mercenary? 
The  motive  rather  than  the  form  is  the  prime  essen- 
tial in  religious  worship.  Was  the  slaying  of  Abel  the 
result  of  jealousy  or  a  sudden  fit  of  anger  or  of  a 
gradual  deterioration  of  character? 

The  criminal  usually  repudiates  his  social  obliga- 
tions. The  thief  often  excuses  himself  by  asserting 
that  society  owes  him  a  living.    Is  this  position  right  ? 

Cain's  punishment  was  banishment.  What  was  the 
fate  that  he  especially  feared  ?  Is  punishment  or  re- 
form or  both  the  best  punishment  ? 

The  mark  placed  upon  Cain  was  most  probably  a 
tribal  one,  which  was  a  protection.     God  thus  aimed 


58  The  Book  of  Genesis 

at  Cain's  reform,  his  divine  love  and  care  following 
him  wherever  he  went. 

II 

What  was  the  effect  of  Cain's  anger  upon  his  own 
life  ?  In  what  way  do  anger  and  hatred  hamper  one's 
greatest  usefulness?  Is  capital  punishment  at  times 
necessary  ? 

Ill 

Outline  the  most  effective  argument  which  can  be 
used  to  restore  honour  and  manhood  to  a  criminal. 
Is  the  chief  object  of  punishment  to  avenge  the 
wrong,  to  punish  the  criminal,  to  deter  others  from 
committing  similar  crimes,  or  to  reclaim  the  wrong- 
doer? 


40 
THE  DESCENDANTS  OF  CAIN 

I 

Bead:  Gen.  4: 17-24;  Eyle,  4:  17-24. 

There  has  been  preserved  in  this  genealogy  an  at- 
tempt to  trace  the  growth  of  early  civilization.  To 
Cain,  whom  we  met  as  an  exile  in  the  last  lesson,  is 
ascribed  the  honour  of  having  been  the  first  builder ; 
Jabal  was  the  ancestor  of  nomadic  peoples;  and 
Tubal-Cain  was  the  founder  of  metal  industries.     In 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  59 

the  case  of  Lamech.  we  have  an  example  of  the  very- 
early  custom  of  polygamy,  and  of  war. 

Describe  the  Song  of  the  Sword.  What  does  it 
teach?  What  was  the  attitude  toward  polygamy  in 
Israel?  Compare,  in  this  respect,  the  time  of  Abra- 
ham and  that  of  the  eighth  century  B.  C. 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "War".  What  was  the 
nature  of  war  in  the  Old  Testament?  What  was  its 
religious  status? 

Ill 

Eead:  The  Dictionary,  "Music  and  Musical  In- 
struments". What  was  the  use  made  of  music  in  the 
Temple  and  in  the  Synagogue? 


41 

THE  DESCENDANTS  OF  SETH 

I 

Read:  Gen.  4:  25-26;  5;  Ryle,  4:  25-26;  5. 

In  verses  twenty-five  and  twenty-six  of  the  fourth 
chapter  we  have  a  fragmentary  genealogy  of  Seth 
from  the  source  J.  In  chapter  five,  P  has  preserved 
a  complete  genealogy. 

According  to  the  phrase,  "then  began  men  to  call 


60  The  Book  °f  Genesis 

upon  the  name  of  Jehovah",  God  was  addressed  as 
Jehovah  as  early  as  the  time  of  Enoch ;  but  according 
to  E  and  P,  Exodus  3 :  14 ;  6:2,  God  was  not  called 
Jehovah  until  that  name  was  revealed  to  Moses. 
Since,  however,  it  is  probable  that  a  form  of  the  name 
Jehovah  was  known  in  Babylonia  long  before  the 
time  of  Moses,  the  source  J  may  be  right  in  assigning 
the  name  to  a  very  remote  period. 

What  have  you  learned  to  be  the  significance  of 
the  name  Jehovah  ?  What  is  the  meaning  of  "Enoch 
walked  with  God"?  "What  do  you  suppose  to  be  the 
meaning  of  the  long  lives  ascribed  to  the  patriarchs 
before  the  Flood? 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Enoch".  Why  were  so 
many  late  Jewish  books  ascribed  to  Enoch? 

Ill 

Read :  Ryle,  "Note  on  the  Antediluvian  Patriarchs", 
pp.  88-92.     Write  a  note  on  early  Hebrew  chronology. 


42 

REVIEW 

Review  Studies  26-41  inclusive,  and  be  prepared 
for  an  examination  on  them. 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  61 

43 
MULTIPLICATION  OF  SIN 


Read :  Gen.  6:1-7;  Kyle,  6 :  1-7. 

The  account  of  the  marriage  between  the  daughters 
of  men  and  the  sons  of  God  is  a  remnant  of  that 
mythical  material  which  was  common  to  the  early 
stages  of  all  peoples.  The  Babylonians  and  Egyptians 
believed  that  their  kings  were  the  offspring  of  the 
gods  and  mankind.  How  have  commentators  tried 
to  explain  this  passage?  What  are  the  objections? 
What  is  the  interpretation  of  verse  three  ?  Is  not  the 
story  of  the  offspring  of  the  sons  of  God  and  the 
daughters  of  men  an  attempt  to  explain  the  origin  of 
so  much  sinfulness  ?  Although  the  Hebrews  believed 
that  Jehovah  created  all  things,  they  hesitated  to 
ascribe  to  him  the  origin  of  sin.  Israel's  high  moral 
idea  comes  out  very  clearly  in  this  story.  What  was 
the  writer's  attitude  toward  sin  and  its  multiplica- 
tion? Write  what  you  think  of  the  meaning  of  the 
phrase,  ai\.nd  it  repented  the  Lord  .  .  .  and  it  grieved 
him  at  the  heart." 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Nephilim",  "Giant". 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  meaning  and  religious  value 
of  mythical  material. 


62  The  Book  of  Genesis 

44 
NOAH 


Eead :  Gen.  6 :  8-12 ;  Eyle,  6  :  8-12 ;  The  Dictionary, 
"Noah". 

Noah  "found  grace  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord"  because 
he  was  "a  righteous  man  and  perfect".  The  word 
translated  "perfect"  means  flawless  and  indicates 
Noah  as  a  man  who  had  succeeded  in  observing  and 
following  God's  will.  While  others  of  his  time  went 
on  increasing  in  sinfulness,  Noah  was  mindful  of  his 
duty  to  God,  and  was,  therefore,  worthy  of  God's 
companionship. 

What  are  the  Old  Testament  ideas  of  righteousness 
and  perfection?  What  does  verse  twelve  say  of  the 
way  in  which  sin  developed  ? 

II 

Eead:  The  Dictionary,  "Predestination".  Com- 
pare it  with  the  idea  of  free  will. 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  Old  Testament  and  the 
modern  conception  of  predestination  and  free  will. 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  63 

45,  46,  and  47 
THE  FLOOD 


Read :  Gen.  6  :  13—8 :  20  ;  Kyle,  6  :  13—8 :  20 ;  Ryle, 
Appendix  C,  pp.  453-458;  Ryle,  "Note  on  the 
Flood  Narrative,"  pp.  115-120. 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Deluge".  Write  a  paper  on 
the  universality  of  the  Flood. 

Ill 

Separate  the  two  accounts  of  the  Flood  in  Genesis, 
and  make  a  tabular  comparison  of  each  with  the  Baby- 
lonian account. 


48 

AIM     OF    THE     BIBLICAL    WRITERS     IN 
RECOUNTING  THE  FLOOD  STORY 


What  place  has  this  story  among  Biblical  narra- 
tives? Did  the  sacred  writers  use  these  stories  in 
order  to  emphasize  monotheism?  Compare  the  God 
of  the  Biblical  account  with  the  gods  of  the  Baby- 
lonian account.     Did  Christ  use  illustrations  drawn 


64  The  Book  of  Genesis 

from  earlier  history  or  from  nature  to  make  clear 
his  teaching  ?  Is  it  not  evidence  of  superior  teaching 
skill  to  use  that  which  is  familiar  and  of  interest  to 
those  taught  in  order  to  inculcate  the  deeper  moral 
and  religious  truths  of  life? 

II 

Had  most  primitive  peoples  a  tradition  regarding 
the  Flood?  How  do  you  explain  the  striking  points 
of  similarity  between  the  Flood  stories  of  peoples  far 
removed  from  each  other?     Illustrate. 

Ill 

Is  there  geological  evidence  that  the  earth,  during 
human  history,  has  been  completely  inundated? 
What  do  you  mean  by  a  calamity?  Is  it  a  mere 
accident,  or  an  essential  factor  in  the  realization  of  the 
divine  purpose  in  human  history? 


49 


SURVIVAL  OF  THE  FITTEST  IN  THE 
NATURAL  WORLD 


The  leading  scientists  of  the  world,  since  the  pub- 
lication of  the  views  of  Darwin  and  Wallace  in  1858, 
have  laid  great  emphasis  upon  the  doctrine  of  the 
survival  of  the  fittest  as  the  true  explanation  of  prog- 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  65 

ress  in  the  natural  world.  This  principle  has  been 
traced  out  in  practically  all  the  important  fields  of 
both  plant  and  animal  life.  Upon  the  same  principle 
depends  the  doctrine  of  evolution,  which  has  been 
applied  in  the  fields  of  biology,  astronomy,  psychol- 
ogy, history,  and  social  science.  The  "fittest"  in 
this  principle  means  the  being  best  adapted  to  the 
conditions  under  which  it  is  living.  How  does  the 
story  of  the  Flood  illustrate  this  principle  in  the 
moral  and  religious  world?     Discuss  the  point  fully. 

II 

Are  appalling  calamities,  like  floods  and  earth- 
quakes, the  result  of  the  working  out  of  natural  laws  ? 
Are  they  unmitigated  evils  ?     Illustrate. 

Ill 

To  what  extent  is  modern  progress  in  sanitation 
due  to  natural  calamities?  What  calamities?  Illus- 
trate how  that  a  great  calamity  can  arouse  a  city 
or  nation  to  the  realization  of  great  possibilities. 


50 

SURVIVAL  OF  THE  FITTEST   IN  SOCIAL 
AND  RELIGIOUS  LIFE 


From  a  social  point  of  view,  is  not  the  survival  of 
the  fittest  the  survival  of  the  morally  best?     Is  not 


66  The  Book  of  Genesis 

the  religion  which  survives  the  religion  of  the  highest 
type?  Even  in  business,  it  has  been  said  that  the 
survival  of  the  fittest  means  the  survival  of  the  most 
honest  business  men.  Think  over  the  names  of  the 
great  men  of  the  United  States,  and  note  their  char- 
acters. Pick  out  the  leading  statesmen  of  the  last 
half  century  in  England,  France,  and  Italy.  What 
principles  have  they  stood  for  ?  If  a  mooted  question 
touching  morals  can  be  put  simply  and  honestly  be- 
fore the  people,  will  they  see  and  choose  the  right? 

II 

How  do  changes  in  the  environment  of  men  affect 
the  moral  quality  of  their  acts?  How  do  circum- 
stances affect  the  kind  of  act  that  will  be  successful  ? 
Illustrate. 

Ill 

Show  from  the  Old  Testament  that  the  Hebrews 
believed  that  in  the  long  run  honour,  virtue,  and 
righteousness  pay  not  only  the  individual  but  also 
the  nation. 


51 
NOAH'S  BURNT  OFFERING 

Read :  Gen.  8  :  20-22 ;  Kyle,  8 :  20-22. 

Immediately  after  the  exodus  from  the  ark,  Noah 
built  an  altar  and  offered  a  sacrifice  to  God.    What 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  67 

was  the  material  of  the  sacrifice  ?  What  was  the  idea 
back  of  the  Hebrew  sacrificial  system?  Describe  the 
burnt-offering.  God  was  very  much  pleased  with 
Noah's  act.    What  promise  did  God  make  ? 

II 

Make  a  collection  of  all  divine  maledictions  in 
Genesis  and  discuss  them. 

Ill 

Collect  those  passages  in  Genesis  where  it  is  said  or 
inferred  that  God  repented  of  an  act.  Explain  this 
Old  Testament  idea. 


52 
BLESSING  UPON  NOAH 


Eead:  Gen.  9:1-7;  Kyle,  9:1-7;  Lev.  17:10-14; 
Deut.  12 :  16,  23. 
According  to  the  Priestly  source  there  was  no  sac- 
rifice; but  as  soon  as  Noah  and  his  family  had  left 
the  ark,  God  blessed  them  and  enlarged  their  prerog- 
atives. What  is  the  meaning  of  "the  fear  of  you  and 
the  dread  of  you"  ?  What  two  prohibitions  does  God 
impose  upon  Noah  and  his  family?  What  is  the 
meaning  of  them?  What  is  manslaughter?  What 
is  the  "life"  of  man  ?  What  was  the  custom  of  blood- 
revenge  ? 


68  The  Book  of  Genesis 

II 

What   are    the    seven    commandments    of    Noah? 
Learn  them,  and  write  a  short  paper  on  them. 

Ill 

Make  a  collection  of  all  divine  blessings  in  Genesis 
and  discuss  them. 


53 


REVIEW 

Review  Studies  43-52  and  be  prepared  for  an  exam- 
ination on  them. 


54 
THE  COVENANT  AND  ITS  SIGN 


Read :  Gen.  9:8-17;  Ryle,  9 :  8-17. 

God's  covenant  was  established  not  only  with  man- 
kind but  also  with  the  animal  world.  The  relation 
between  God  and  man  is  regulated  by  covenant.  God 
is  the  creator  and  preserver,  and  man  owes  his  alle- 
giance and  obedience  to  God.  How  many  covenants 
between  God  and  man  are  mentioned  in  the  Penta- 
teuch?    Name  and  describe  them.     What  were  the 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  69 

terms  of  the  covenant  with  Noah?  What  was  the 
sign  of  the  covenant?  How  do  you  interpret  verse 
thirteen  ? 

II 

Read:    The    Dictionary,    "Sacraments",    "Sign", 
"Rainbow". 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  relationship  between  a  Cove- 
nant and  a  Sacrament. 


55 
THE  RACES 

I 

Read:  Gen.  9 :  18-19 ;  Ryle,  9  :  18-19 ;  The  Dictionary, 
"Shem",  "Ham",  "Japheth". 

Name  and  describe  the  three  races  known  to  the 
early  Hebrews. 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Revelation",  and  make  a 
synopsis  of  it. 

Ill 

Discuss  universality  and  limitation  in  the  idea  of 
divine  revelation. 


70  The  Book  °f  Genesis 

56 

NOAH,  THE  VINE-DRESSER 

Eead :  Gen.  9  :  20-27 ;  Ryle,  9  :  20-27 ;  The  Dictionary, 
"Canaanites";  Ryle,  "Special  Note",  pp.  130-131. 

How  would  you  interpret  verse  twenty-four  ?  Why 
is  Canaan  cursed?  What  are  the  contents  of  the 
blessing  on  Shem  and  Japheth  ?  What  was  Canaan's 
sin? 

II 

Kead:  The  Dictionary,  "Wine  and  Strong  Drink". 
What  was  the  Old  Testament  attitude  toward  drunk- 
enness ? 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  wine,  its  use  and  abuse,  from  a 
moral  and  religious  point  of  view. 

57 
THE  ANCIENT  WORLD 


Read:  Gen.  10;  Ryle,  10. 

What  was  the  extent  of  civilization  as  known  to  the 
Israelites  ? 


The  Beginnings  of  the  Race  71 

II 

Compare  the  genealogy  of  Gen.  10  with  the  list  in 
I  Chron.  1.  Note  the  names  of  the  most  important 
ancient  peoples. 

Ill 

Draw  a  large  diagram  of  the  races  and  peoples 
known  to  the  Israelites. 


58 
THE  TOWER  OF  BABEL 


Read:  Gen.  11:1-9;  Ryle,  11:1-9. 

This  passage  offers  a  primitive  and  naive  explana- 
tion of  the  varieties  of  language.  What  great  achieve- 
ment did  the  original  race  plan  on  the  plain  of 
Shinar?  To  what  did  God  object?  How  was  their 
ambition  frustrated  and  with  what  result?  While 
all  languages  have  much  in  common  and  human  hab- 
its of  speech  are  curiously  alike,  yet  modern  research 
recognizes  five  or  six  great  families  of  speech  rather 
than  one.  Nevertheless,  such  stories  as  this  show 
how  deeply  the  Hebrew  writer  believed  in  the  sover- 
eignty of  God,  his  power  and  purpose,  his  watchful 
attitude  toward  the  world  he  has  made,  and  his  grace 
and  goodness. 


72  The  Book  of  Genesis 

II 

Eead:  The  Dictionary,  "Tongues,  Confusion  of". 
What  are  the  legendary  contents  of  the  Story  of  the 
Tower  of  Babel  ?  What  religious  truth  does  the  story 
teach  ? 

Ill 

Write  a  short  paper  on  the  meaning  and  value  of 
the  story  of  the  Tower  of  Babel. 


59 

GENEALOGY  OF  THE  PATRIARCHS  FROM 
SHEM  TO  ABRAM 


Read:  Gen.  11 :  10-32 ;  Eyle,  11: 10-32. 

In  what  respects  does  this  table  resemble  that  in 
chapter  five?  Who  were  Abram's  nearer  relatives? 
What  reasons  have  been  assigned  for  the  migrations 
of  Terah  and  Abram  ? 

II 

Read:  Ryle,  "Note  on  the  Genealogy  of  Shem",  p. 
154;  The  Dictionary,  "Ur  of  the  Chaldees",  "Haran", 
"Terah". 

Ill 

Write  a  full  account  of  Abram  previous  to  his 
departure  from  Haran. 


The  Begimngs  of  the  Race  73 

60  and  61 

REVIEW 

Review  all  up  to  and  including  Study  59,  especially 
Studies  54-59,  and  write  answers  to  the  following 
questions:  Formulate  the  idea  of  God  which  these 
early  stories  convey  to  your  mind.  What  place  in  the 
universe  do  they  assign  to  mankind?  What  do  they 
regard  as  man's  greatest  need  ?  What  do  they  declare 
to  be  his  best  achievement  ?  According  to  them,  what 
is  God's  plan  for  the  world?  Assuming  that  the 
theory  of  divinely-guided  evolution  is  the  true  expla- 
nation of  human  social  development,  is  there  anything 
in  these  chapters  which  contradicts  it? 


Ill 

PATRIARCHAL  HISTORY 


THE  PATRIARCH  ABRAHAM 

62 

ABRAHAM 


Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Abraham".     Write  a  brief 
outline  of  the  life  of  Abraham. 

II 

Make  a  chart  of  the  movements  of  Abraham  from 
the  time  he  left  Haran  until  his  death. 

Ill 

Draw  a  map  and  enter  the  names  of  the  places 
visited  by  Abraham. 


77 


78  The  Book  of  Genesis 

63 

PROPHETIC  STORIES  ABOUT  ABRAHAM 
AND  THEIR  MEANING 


Read :  All  passages  marked  J  in  Gen.  12 — 25 :  18. 
Use  Ryle. 

Just  as  Tatian  in  his  Diatessaron  used  passages 
from  each  of  the  four  Gospels  to  make  one  contin- 
uous narrative  of  the  life  and  teaching  of  our  Lord, 
so  the  compiler  of  the  Book  of  Genesis  used  various 
sources  in  his  account  of  the  lives  of  the  patriarchs. 
In  the  case  of  Abraham,  there  are,  for  example,  two 
accounts  of  his  deceptions  regarding  Sarah,  one  in 
12:9—13:1,  and  the  other  in  20:1-17;  there  are 
two  accounts  of  the  covenant  with  Abimelech,  21 :  22- 
31  and  21:  25-34;  and  there  are  two  accounts  of  the 
expulsion  of  Hagar,  16 :  1-16  and  21 :  1-20.  Do  these 
variant  versions  indicate  that  they  were  drawn  from 
different  groups  of  narratives? 

The  story  of  Abraham's  call  and  settlement  in 
Canaan  illustrates  the  following  truths:  (1)  God 
guides  those  who  will  be  guided;  (2)  He  reveals 
himself  to  those  who  seek  a  revelation;  (3)  His  reve- 
lations come  along  the  path  of  duty  and  are  confined 
to  no  place  or  land;  (4)  For  those  who  will  be  led  by 
him  God  has  in  store  a  noble  destiny;  (5)  Blessed 
are  the  peacemakers,  for  they  shall  be  called  the  chil- 


Patriarchal  History  79 

dren  of  God;   (6)   Blessed  are  the  meek;  for  they 
shall  inherit  the  earth. 

II 

Was  Abraham  right  or  wrong  in  yielding  to  Sarah's 
wish  in  respect  to  Hagar  ?  Was  Sarah  right  or  wrong 
in  her  attitude  toward  Hagar  ?  Was  Hagar' s  attitude 
toward  Sarah  natural?  Was  it  right?  What  must 
be  taken  into  consideration  when  studying  the  morals 
of  ancient  peoples  ? 

Ill 

How  is  Abraham's  faith  illustrated  in  the  prophetic 
stories?  His  unselfishness  and  generosity?  His 
courtly  hospitality?  Was  his  politeness  to  strangers 
simply  due  to  his  training  and  the  traditions  of  the 
desert,  or  was  it  the  expression  of  his  natural 
impulses?  Was  Abraham's  devoted  interest  in  the 
future  of  his  descendants  a  noble  quality  ?  How  are 
his  devotion  and  obedience  to  God  illustrated?  Is 
the  character  of  Abraham  the  product  of  a  primitive 
state  of  society,  or  of  a  high  civilization? 


64 

PROMISE  AND  MIGRATION 

Read :  Gen.  12 :  1-9 ;  Kyle,  12 : 1-9 ;  Hebrews  11 :  8-10. 

Chapters  12 — 50  of  Genesis  describe  a  period  of 
hundreds  of  years  in  length,  during  which  the  tribes 


80  The  Book  of  Genesis 

and  peoples  who  in  due  time  coalesced  into  the 
Hebrew  nation  were  undergoing  varied  experiences. 
They  give  us  a  series  of  more  or  less  idealized  por- 
traits, embodying  the  characteristic  traits  of  the 
Hebrew  people  and  upholding  their  best  ideals.  They 
embody  the  real  experiences  of  real  men,  interpreted 
by  men  of  a  warm  religious  spirit. 

What  made  Abraham  leave  his  own  country  ?  What 
three  promises  were  made  to  him?  Who  went  with 
him  ?  How  did  he  express  his  gratitude  to  God  at  his 
journey's  end  ? 

II 

Besides  the  above  assignments,  read  Josh.  24:  2-3; 
Dent.  26:5;  Gen.  27:43;  24:3,  4,  10.  What  do 
they  tell  about  Abraham's  early  home?  Was  it 
Haran  or  Ur  ?  Comment  upon,  "And  the  Canaanite 
was  then  in  the  land." 

Ill 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Palestine". 


65 
REASONS  FOR  MIGRATION 


In  the  early  history  of  most  countries  there  comes 
a  pressure  of  population  which  results  in  migration. 


Patriarchal  History  81 

Tribes  migrate  from  season  to  season,  and  eventually 
some  members  of  the  tribe  are  likely  to  go  forth  to 
seek  new  homes.  In  the  pastoral  stage,  as  the  wealth 
of  flocks  and  herds  increases,  more  pasturage  is 
needed  and  migrations  result.  In  the  age  of  com- 
merce, colonies  are  established.  Emigration  is  thus 
a  normal  growth  at  any  stage  of  civilization.  What 
does  the  statement  about  Abraham's  wealth  in  cattle, 
silver,  and  gold,  show  regarding  the  country  from 
which  he  came  and  the  probable  cause  of  God's  direc- 
tion for  his  removal  ?  In  the  light  of  later  history  and 
of  the  hardships  and  risks  which  immigrants  are 
called  upon  to  endure,  what  was  the  profound  re- 
ligious significance  to  his  race  and  to  the  world  of  the 
migration  represented  by  Abraham? 

II 

How  did  God  speak  to  Abraham?  Is  it  possible 
and  probable  that  God  spoke  to  men  in  that  early 
day  as  he  speaks  to  them  now,  through  their  expe- 
riences and  inner  consciousness?  In  what  sense  was 
Abraham  a  pioneer?  Was  it  for  Abraham's  material 
interest  to  migrate  to  Palestine  ? 

Ill 

Are  God's  purposes  often  contrary  to  man's  desires  ? 
Ever  to  man's  best  interests  ?  Is  your  own  conscien- 
tious conception  of  your  duty  to  be  considered  as 
God's  command  to  you  ?  Does  he  give  any  other  com- 
mands?     What   qualities   must   every   true   pioneer 


82  The  Book  of  Genesis 

possess?      Compare    the   motives   that   inspired   the 
migrations  of  the  Hebrews  and  the  Pilgrim  Fathers. 


66 
EARLY  JOURNEY  IN  PALESTINE 


Read:    Gen.    12:6-9;   The    Dictionary,    "Shechem", 
"Bethel",  "Negeb". 

The  first  resting  place  of  Abraham  in  Canaan  was 
Shechem.  There  Jehovah  appeared  unto  him  and 
promised  him  the  land  of  Canaan — a  promise  which 
was  for  ever  afterward  remembered  by  the  Jews.  It 
was  because  of  this  and  the  promise  to  Moses  that 
Palestine  was  called  the  promised  land.  Thence  Abra- 
ham proceeded  to  a  spot  between  Bethel  and  Ai, 
where  he  built  an  altar  and  sacrificed  to  God  under 
the  name  of  Jehovah.  His  next  journey  took  him  to 
the  Negeb,  the  southernmost  region  of  Canaan.  Write 
a  full  description  of  Ai  with  an  account  of  the  later 
experiences  of  the  Israelites  there. 

II 

Eead :  The  Dictionary,  "Geology  of  Palestine",  and 
write  a  short  paper  on  the  subject. 

Ill 
Discuss  the  bearings  which  geography  and  geology 


Partriarchal  History  83 

have  upon  civilization.     Illustrate  with  reference  to 
^  Palestine. 


67 
ABRAHAM  IN  EGYPT 

I 

Read :  Gen.  12  :  10—13 :  2 ;  Kyle,  12 :  10—13 :  2. 

The  story  of  Abraham's  deceit  in  Egypt  does  not 
do  credit  to  the  patriarch.  Besides  remembering  that 
our  story  arose  hundreds  of  years  before  the  dawn  of 
Christianity  and  before  moral  distinctions  had  made 
much  progress,  the  motive  of  the  sacred  writer  in 
recording  the  event  was  probably  to  illustrate  God's 
protection  over  Abraham  in  a  foreign  country.  "God's 
goodness,  not  Abram's  merit,  averts  the  peril."  What 
does  the  story  teach  about  the  power  of  Jehovah 
beyond  the  land  of  Canaan  ?  How  would  the  Hebrew 
justify  God's  punishment  of  the  pharaoh?  Where 
did  Abraham  settle  on  his  immediate  return  from 
Egypt? 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Sarah",  "Pharaoh". 
Write  a  short  paper  on  the  relationship  between  the 
pharaoh  and  Abraham. 

Ill 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Egypt",  §§  1  and  2". 


84  The  Book  of  Genesis 

68 

REVIEW 

Review   Studies   62-67,   and  be   prepared   for   an 
examination  on  them. 

69 

SEPARATION  OF  ABRAHAM  AND  LOT 


Read :  Gen.  13 :  3-13 ;  Kyle,  13 :  3-13 ;  The  Dictionary, 
"Perizzites". 
On  his  return  from  Egypt,  Abraham  settled 
between  Bethel  and  Ai  as  he  did  before,  where  he 
again  sacrificed  to  God  and  called  upon  him  by  the 
name  Jehovah.  Why  did  the  servants  of  Abraham 
and  Lot,  his  nephew,  who  had  hitherto  followed  him 
wherever  he  went,  quarrel?  How  did  Abraham  end 
the  difficulty?  On  what  basis  did  Lot  make  his 
choice  ? 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Lot",  "Jordan".    Write  a 
note  on  the  phrase,  "all  the  Plain  of  the  Jordan". 

Ill 

Draw  a  map  of  the  Jordan  region  and  insert  the 
most  important  names. 


Patriarchal  History  85 

70 

ABRAHAM'S     MAGNANIMITY     AND     ITS 
REWARD 


Read:  Gen.  13:  14-18;  Kyle,  13:  14-18. 

Verse  ten  of  this  chapter  eloquently  shows  the 
nature  of  Abraham's  character.  He  was  disinter- 
ested, magnanimous,  and  friendly.  Rather  than  exer- 
cise his  unquestioned  right  to  take  what  he  pleased 
and  let  Lot  have  what  remained,  he  permitted  his 
kinsman  to  choose.  Lot  acted  like  a  selfish,  avaricious, 
short-sighted  man.  Although  he,  like  Abraham,  had 
fled  away  from  false  worship,  he  was  willing  for  the 
sake  of  material  gain  to  settle  down  again  in  the 
very  midst  of  a  people  far  worse  than  the  Babylonians. 
Abraham  contented  himself  with  the  less  fertile  pas- 
tures of  the  mountainous  region  of  Southern  Pales- 
tine. He  may  have  stood  on  one  of  the  mountain 
tops  north  of  Jerusalem,  when  the  promise  came  to 
him  that  some  time  his  descendants  should  control 
all  the  country  as  far  as  the  eye  could  see.  The  very 
fact  that  he  stayed  up  there  in  the  free,  bracing  air 
of  the  hills,  avoiding  the  debasing  influence  of  the 
plain,  was  one  indication  of  his  ultimate  supremacy. 
He  was  farsighted  and  clear-headed.  What  different 
impulses  did  Lot  and  Abraham  follow?  To  what 
was  Abraham  devoted?  Through  whom  does  God 
achieve  his  purposes  ? 


86  The  Book  of  Genesis 

II 

What  two  great  promises  did  God  make  to  Abra- 
ham? Where  did  Abraham  then  make  his  home? 
Show  the  shortsightedness  of  Lot.  Define  and  illus- 
trate magnanimity. 

Ill 

Eead:  The  Dictionary,  "Mamre",  "Hebron".  Enu- 
merate the  altars  which  Abraham  has  so  far  built, 
reading  The  Dictionary,  "Altar". 

71 

CHAPTER  XIV 

I 

Read:  Gen.  14. 

In  this  chapter  Abraham  is  pictured  as  a  valiant 
warrior  who  espoused  the  cause  of  the  weak  and  won 
a  great  victory  over  the  unified  armies  of  the  Eastern 
Kings.  He  restored  the  captured  spoil  to  the  city 
that  had  been  robbed  and  gave  a  liberal  portion  to 
the  priest-king,  Melchizedek.  In  chapter  seventeen 
he  is  portrayed  as  a  devoted  servant  of  the  law.  In 
later  Jewish  traditions  he  is  pictured  sometimes  as 
an  invincible  warrior,  sometimes  as  an  ardent  foe 
of  idolatry,  or  else  he  is  thought  of  as  having  been 
borne  to  heaven  on  a  fiery  chariot,  where  he  receives 


Patriarchal  History  87 

to  his  bosom  the  faithful  of  the  race.  Each  succes- 
sive generation  of  Jewish  writers  made  Abraham  the 
embodiment  of  their  highest  ideals.  How  is  the 
chapter  linked  with  the  preceding  one?  Briefly 
characterize  this  chapter. 

II 

Eead :  Kyle,  "Special  Note  on  Chapter  XIV",  pp. 
179-181.  Write  a  short  paper  on  the  probable  origin 
and  date  of  the  story. 

Ill 

Eead:  The  Dictionary,  "Assyria  and  Babylonia,  II 
Babylonia". 


72 

CAMPAIGN  OF  THE  KING  OF  ELAM 

I 

Read:  Gen.  14: 1-12;  Ryle,  14: 1-12. 

Make  a  chart  of  the  site  of  the  campaign,  and 
describe  it  in  detail,  using  the  above  assignments  only. 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Amraphel",  "Shinar", 
"Arioch",  "Ellasar",  "Chedorlaomer",  "Elam", 
"Amalek",  "Amorites",  "Tidal",  "Siddim". 


88  The  Book  of  Genesis 

III 

Write  a  paper  on  the  nationalities  involved  in  this 
campaign. 

73 

ABRAHAM'S  VICTORY 


Read:  Gen.  14:  13-16;  Ryle,  14: 13-16;  The  Diction- 
ary, "Eshcol",  "Amer",  "Hobah",  "Damascus". 

Describe  Abraham's  victory  and  where  it  took  place. 
What  bearing  upon  the  date  of  this  chapter  has  the 
reference  to  Dan  in  verse  fourteen?  Comment  upon 
"three  hundred  and  eighteen"  in  the  same  verse. 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Eber",  "Israel,  I.  History, 
§§  1-14." 

Ill 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Israel,  I.  History, 
§§  15-30". 


Pafriarchal  History  89 

74 

MELCHIZEDEK,  KING  OF  SALEM 


Read:  Gen.  14:  18-20;  Ryle,  14:  18-20;  The  Diction- 
ary, "Jehus",  "Salem". 

On  his  return  from  victory,  Abraham  was  met  by 
the  patesi,  or  priest-prince,  of  Salem.  With  what  city 
is  Salem  identified?  What  are  the  proofs  of  identi- 
fication? Melchizedek  the  king  brought  forth  bread 
and  wine  to  nourish  the  returning  soldiers.  But  he 
does  more  than  that.  Being  priest  of  God  Most  High, 
whom  Abraham  recognizes  as  his  own  God,  he  gave 
Abraham  his  priestly  blessing.  Who  was  the  God 
Most  High?  In  response  to  the  blessing,  Abraham 
gave  Melchizedeck  a  tenth  part  of  all  the  spoil. 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Jerusalem".  Draw  a  plan 
of  the  early  city. 

Ill 

Write  a  brief  account  of  the  city  of  Jerusalem  from 
the  earliest  times  to  1919  A.  D. 


90  The  Book  of  Genesis 

75 
THE  ORDER  OF  MELCHIZEDEK 


Read:  Gen.  14:  18-20;  Ps.  110:4;  Hebrews  5:1-7. 

Give  in  detail  the  argument  used  by  the  author  of 
the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews  to  show  that  our  Lord's 
priesthood  was  higher  than  that  of  the  Aaronic  priest- 
hood. The  author  of  the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews 
emphasizes  the  uniqueness  of  Melchizedek  when  com- 
paring him  with  Christ.  Did  not  the  uniqueness  of 
the  priesthood  of  Melchizedek  consist  also  in  his  royal 
character?  He  was  King  as  well  as  priest.  Our 
Lord  is  both  Priest  and  King. 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Melchizedek" ;  Ryle,  "Spe- 
cial Note  on  Melchizedek"  pp.  182-184. 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  "The  Priestly  Order  of  Melchizedek". 

76 

THE  OATH  OF  ABRAHAM 

I 

Read:  Gen.  14:  21-24;  Ryle,  14:  21-24;  The  Diction- 
ary, "Aner",  "Mamre". 
Abraham  shows  his  disinterestedness  in  the  spoils 


Patriarchal  History  91 

of  battle  by  refusing  to  be  paid  for  his  services  by  the 
king  of  Sodom.  Abraham  had  taken  issue  with  the 
Eastern  kings  for  the  sole  purpose  of  defence,  and 
especially  to  defend  his  relative,  Lot.  He  asks  only 
for  a  portion  for  those  who  had  allied  themselves  with 
him,  and  food  for  his  warriors.  He  had  sworn  to  his 
God  that  his  purpose  in  the  conflict  was  unselfish. 
Who  were  Aner,  Eshcol,  and  Mamre?  What  was 
Abraham's  object  in  taking  an  oath  at  this  time? 
What  is  an  oath  ? 

II 

Eead:  The  Dictionary,  "Oaths".     Discuss  the  na- 
ture and  meaning  of  an  oath. 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  ritual  of  the  oath  as  found 
in  the  Old  Testament. 


77 

REVIEW 

Eeview  Studies  69-76,  and  be  prepared  for  an  exam- 
ination on  them. 


92  The  Book  of  Genesis 

78 

THE  PROMISE  OF  AN  HEIR 


Read:  Gen.  15:1-5;  Ryle,  15:1-5;  The  Dictionary, 
"Inheritance",  "Eliezer". 

Notice  what  Ryle  says  about  the  composition  of 
this  chapter.  Biblical  authors  have  much  to  say 
about  visions.  It  is,  however,  clear  from  such  pass- 
ages as  verse  five  of  this  chapter,  Num.  24 :  3-4,  and 
Job  4:  13,  that  many  visions  were  synonymous  with 
dreams.  In  this  dream  Abraham  hears  God  speaking. 
Do  we  not  have  similar  experiences?  Such  ex- 
periences were  particularly  vivid  to  primitive  people 
who  did  not  know  as  much  about  natural  laws  as  we 
do.  Abraham  was  surrounded  by  strangers  and 
foreigners  and  needed  God's  encouragement.  And 
what  assurance  was  his  !  Jehovah  spoke.  "I  am  thy 
shield,  and  thy  exceeding  great  reward/'  Abraham's 
fear  was  due  to  his  solitude.  Nor  did  he  even  have 
an  heir.  But  Jehovah  was  equal  to  the  occasion,  and 
promised  the  patriarch  an  innumerable  posterity. 
What  were  the  laws  of  inheritance  in  Israel  ? 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Vision",  "Dreams".  Dis- 
cuss their  place  in  the  religious  life  of  the  Hebrews. 


Patriarchal  History  93 

III 

Write  a  paper  on  the  Old  Testament  idea  of  divine 
communication  with  man. 

79 
FAITH  AND  RIGHTEOUSNESS 


Read:  Gen.  15:6;  Ryle,  15:6;  Eomans  4:1-25; 
Galatians  3:6;  St.  James  2:23;  Ps.  106:31; 
Hebrews  11 :  8,  17. 

What  did  Abraham  believe  God  would  do  for  him  ? 
What  examples  are  used  in  the  eleventh  chapter  of 
the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews  to  illustrate  Abraham's 
faith  ?  What  is  St.  Paul's  definition  of  faith  ?  What 
is  St.  Paul's  idea  of  "Justification  by  Faith"?  What 
is  the  power  of  faith  in  the  life  of  a  Christian  ? 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Faith",  "Justification", 
"Righteousness". 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  idea  of  "Justification  by 
Faith"  as  applied  to  the  life  of  a  modern  Christian. 


94  The  Book  °f  Genesis 

80 

THE  RATIFICATION  OF  THE  PROMISE 


Read:  Gen.  15:  7-19;  Ryle,  15 :  7-19. 

Here  Jehovah  tells  Abraham  that  his  purpose  in 
bringing  him  from  Babylonia  was  that  the  patriarch 
might  inherit  the  land  of  Canaan.  But  Abraham, 
having  been  educated  in  the  legal  atmosphere  of  Baby- 
lonia, wants  to  know  how  God  is  going  to  assure  him 
of  his  intention,  and  asks,  "0  Lord  God,  whereby  shall 
I  know  that  I  shall  inherit  it  ?"  Then  follows  a  most 
interesting  covenant  ceremony ;  the  ritual  is  paralleled 
in  similar  Babylonian  treaties.  What  animals  were 
sacrificed  ?  What  was  the  sign  of  Jehovah's  presence  ? 
Define  the  "deep  sleep"  which  fell  upon  Abraham. 
To  which  Hebrew  captivity  does  the  sacred  writer 
refer  in  this  chapter?  How  many  years  were  the 
Children  of  Israel  in  Egypt  ? 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Covenant".  Describe  the 
ritual  of  a  covenant. 

Ill 

Read:  Ryle,  Appendix  E,  "Israelites  in  Egypt", 
pp.  463-466.  Write  a  short  note  on  the  number  of 
years  spent  by  the  Israelites  in  Egypt. 


Patriarchal  History  95 

81 

THE  FUTURE  LIFE 


Read :  Gen.  15  :  15 ;  25 :  7-8 ;  Job  5 :  26 ;  Prov.  10  :  27 ; 
11 :  11;  The  Dictionary,  "Sheol". 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  phrase,  "go  to  thy 
fathers"?  What  are  the  Hebrew  patriarchs  repre- 
sented as  thinking  of  the  future  ? 

II 

Eead :  The  Dictionary,  "Eschatology". 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  destiny  of  the  righteous 
and  wicked  as  seen  in  the  Old  Testament.  Use  the 
references  in  the  article  on  "Eschatology"  in  The 
Dictionary. 

82 

THE  TEN  PEOPLES  OF  CANAAN 


Read:  Gen.  15: 19-21;  Ryle,  15:  19-21;  Ex.  3:  8,  17; 
13:5;  23:23;  24:11;  Deut.  7:1;  20:17;  The 


96  The  Book  of  Genesis 

Dictionary,  "Kenites",  "Kenizzites",  "Kadmon- 
ites",  "Rephaim",  "Girgashites",  "Rechab". 

What  was  the  fame  of  the  Kenites?     How  were 
they  related  to  the  Rechabites? 

II 

Eead:  The  Dictionary,  "Hittites".     What  part  do 
they  play  in  the  Book  of  Genesis  ? 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  fascination  of  archaeology, 
illustrating  by  reference  to  the  Hittites. 


83 

REVIEW 

Review  Studies  78-82,  and  be  prepared  for  an  ex- 
amination on  them. 


84 
HAGAR  AND  HER  FLIGHT 

I 

Read:  Gen.  16:1-6;  Ryle,  16:1-6;  The  Dictionary, 
"Hagar". 

The  story  of  Hagar  not  only  illustrates  the  Hebrew 


Patriarchal  History  97 

attitude  toward  related  races,  whom  they  considered 
inferior,  they  themselves  being  Jehovah's  chosen 
people,  but  it  likewise  gives  us  an  idea  of  family  con- 
ditions in  early  Israel.  According  to  the  ideas  and 
customs  of  that  early  period,  it  was  permissible  to 
own  slaves.  A  female  slave  could  be  made  a  con- 
cubine. Was  it  wrong  from  the  Hebrew  point  of  view 
to  have  slaves?  What  are  the  determinants  of  the 
morals  of  any  given  period  in  history?  What  was 
the  rule  about  the  ownership  of  children  by  a  slave- 
wife?  Was  Sarah's  complaint  justifiable?  How  is 
Abraham's  conduct  to  be  judged?  Depict  Hagar's 
character. 

II 
Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Slave",  "Concubine". 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  Concubinage  among  the  Hebrews, 
making  as  much  use  as  possible  of  the  Code  of  Ham- 
murabi on  the  subject. 


85 
HAGAR  AND  THE  ANGEL 

I 

Read:  Gen.  16:  7-14;  Ryle,  16:  7-14;  The  Dictionary, 
"Shur",  "Kadesh". 
The  angel  who  appeared  to  Hagar  was  none  other 


98  The  Book  of  Genesis 

than  Jehovah  himself.  The  early  Israelites  thought 
very  simply  and  naively  about  God.  He  was  an 
enlarged  human  being  with  the  same  parts  and  pas- 
sions as  ourselves.  But  later  more  spiritual  and  ab- 
stract ideas  about  God  became  common.  God  is  a 
spirit  and  cannot  be  seen.  He  manifests  himself 
through  different  agencies.  It  became  common  to 
speak  of  "the  angel  of  Jehovah"  in  expressing  ideas 
about  God's  activities  in  the  world.  So,  here,  "the 
angel  of  the  Lord"  appeared  to  Hagar,  and  advised 
her  to  return  and  to  submit  herself,  as  she  was  in 
duty  bound,  to  her  mistress.  Why  is  it  natural  for 
man  to  ascribe  his  own  moral  conceptions  to  God? 
Then,  the  well-known  Hebrew  opinion  of  the  Ishmael- 
ites  is  expressed  in  verse  twelve.  Ishmael,  the  wild 
untamable  people,  are  a  foe  to  all  with  whom  they 
come  in  contact.  Interpret  the  phrase,  "the  Jehovah 
that  spake  unto  her".  What  does  she  call  the  God 
who  spake  with  her?  Was  Hagar  surprised  to  meet 
God  in  the  wilderness  ?  Why  ?  Was  Hagar  surprised 
to  see  God  ?     Why  ?     Where  was  Beer-lahai-roi  ? 

II 

Eead:   The  Dictionarv,   "Angel",   "Angel  of  the 
Lord". 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  manifestation  of  God,  espe- 
cially through  Angels. 


Patriarchal  History  99 

86 

ISHMAEL 


Read:   Gen.   16:15-16;  Kyle,   16:15-16;   The  Dic- 
tionary, "Ishmael". 

Who  were  the  Ishmaelites  and  how  were  they  re- 
lated to  the  Midianites  and  Israelites? 

II 

Write  a  paper  on  the  author's  purpose  in  using  the 
story  of  Ishmael  in  the  Book  of  Genesis. 

Ill 

Describe  the  family,  social,  and  religious  ideas  in- 
volved in  the  story  of  Ishmael. 


87 
GOD  ALMIGHTY 


Read:  Gen.  17:1;  Kyle,  17: 1;  The  Dictionary,  "Al- 
mighty". 
This  chapter  is  from  the  source  P  which,  with  E, 


1 00  The  Book  of  Genesis 

believed  that  God  did  not  reveal  himself  under  the 
name  Jehovah  till  the  time  of  the  Exodus.  P,  thus, 
uses  the  name  Elohim  or  El  Shaddai  in  speaking  of 
God  before  the  Exodus.  Why  then  is  Jehovah 
(LORD  in  the  English  version  always  translates  the 
word  in  Hebrew  which  we  render  Jehovah)  used  in 
the  first  verse  of  this  chapter?  What  is  the  deriva- 
tion of  the  word  Shaddai?  Ryle  has  not  mentioned 
perhaps  the  most  interesting  interpretation  of  this 
word,  namely,  the  derivation  of  the  word  from  the 
Assyrian  shadu,  meaning  high,  mountain.  Jehovah 
was  known  as  a  mountain-deity,  a  characteristic 
which  might  have  been  his  long  before  the  time  of 
the  Exodus.  Which  source  claims  that  God  was 
known  by  the  name  Jehovah  before  the  Exodus? 
What  does  "walk  before  me"  mean  ? 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Perfection".  Look  up  the 
Old  Testament  passages  and  write  a  short  paper  on 
Perfection  in  the  Old  Testament. 

Ill 

Enumerate  with  a  brief  description  the  titles  of 
God  in  Genesis. 


Patriarchal  History  1 0 1 

88 
THE  COVENANT  ACCORDING  TO  P 


Read:  Gen.  17:2-8;  Ryle,  17:2-8;  The  Dictionary, 
"Stranger". 

Does  the  author  of  this  source  show  any  knowledge 
of  a  previous  covenant  between  God  and  Abraham? 
What  is  the  Old  Testament  attitude  of  humility  and 
reverence?  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  change  of 
the  name  Abram  to  Abraham?  How  is  the  mon- 
archy of  Israel  referred  to  God's  promise  to  Abraham  ? 
What  does  the  word  "everlasting"  in  verse  seven  con- 
note as  to  the  character  of  the  covenant?  What  is  a 
Gerf 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Humility".  Compare 
Old  Testament  and  Christian  humility. 

Ill 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "King".  Describe  the 
office  and  function  of  a  king  in  the  Old  Testament. 


1  02  The  Book  of  Genesis 

89 
THE  TOKEN  OF  THE  COVENANT 

I 

Read:  Gen.  17:9-14;  Ryle,  17:9-14. 

Make  a  detailed  comparison  between  this  covenant 
and  the  others  you  have  met  with  so  far  in  Genesis. 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Circumcision".  Was  or  is 
the  rite  practised  in  the  Christian  Church?  Give 
details. 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  equivalent  or  equivalents  of 
Circumcision  in  the  Christian  Church.  Was  Circum- 
cision a  sacrament?     If  not,  why? 

90 
THE  PROMISE  TO  SARAH 

I 

Read:  Gen.  17:  15-27;  Ryle,  17: 15-27. 

Jehovah  now  blesses  Sarah  and  makes  her  partaker 
of  the  promise  which  he  had  made  to  Abraham.     He 


Pafriarchal  History  103 

promises  an  heir  to  the  aged  patriarch  and  his  wife, 
but  Abraham  is  incredulous.  Whose  birth  is  now 
announced?  What  is  the  meaning  of  "Isaac", 
"Ishmaer,  "Sarah"?  Who  are  the  "twelve  princes" 
referred  to  in  verse  twenty?  From  what  source  does 
the  chapter  come  ?  What  is  the  conception  of  God  ex- 
pressed in  verse  twenty-two?  Discuss  the  age  of 
circumcision. 

II 
Write  a  paper  on  the  covenant  relationship  be- 
tween God  and  Israel. 

Ill 

Discuss  the  sense  in  which  the  Church  has  inherited 
Israel's  covenant  relationship  with  God. 


91 

REVIEW 

Eeview  Studies  84-90,  and  be  prepared  for  an  ex- 
amination on  them. 

92 

VISIT  OF  THE  THREE  ANGELS 

I 
Read:  Gen.  18:  1-15;  Ryle,  18: 1-15. 

The  simple,  vivid,  and  graceful  narrative,  begin- 


1 04  The  Book  of  Genesis 

ning  at  this  point,  helps  one  to  understand  why 
Abraham  became  known  as  the  "Father  of  the  Faith- 
ful". He  was  a  natural  leader,  one  who  took  re- 
sponsibility for  men  and  was  worthy  of  God's  con- 
fidence. Just  as  he  pleaded  on  behalf  of  Lot,  he 
would  have  interested  himself  to-day  in  the  sad  con- 
dition of  all  toilers.  Such  men  as  Abraham  are 
relatively  few  in  number,  but  they  are  the  salt  of  the 
earth.  How  did  Abraham  receive  the  three  strangers 
who  appeared  at  his  tent  door?  How  are  the  angels 
described  ?  Interpret  the  phrase,  "My  Lord".  What 
joyful  message  from  Jehovah  did  they  bring?  Who 
were  the  visitants  of  Abraham  and  Sarah?  What 
reveals  the  divine  nature  of  one  of  Abraham's  guests  ? 

II 

Write  a  full  description  of  Oriental  courtesy. 

Ill 

Discuss  in  detail  the  situation  revealed  in  verses 
12-15. 

93 

SODOM  AND  GOMORRAH 

I 

Read:  Gen.  18:  16-22;  Kyle,  18: 16-22. 

The  destruction  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  will  per- 
haps always  remain  more  or  less  of  a  mystery.     These 


Patriarchal  History  1 05 

two  cities  were  located  in  the  low-lying  country  at 
the  southern  end  of  the  Dead  Sea,  which  was  full  of 
bituminous  material  like  the  oil  fields  of  America. 
Some  great  explosive  conflagration  must  have  taken 
place,  which  the  early  Israelites  interpreted  as  a  judg- 
ment for  degeneracy.  Note  as  you  read  these  sections 
the  emphasis  placed  upon  God's  forgiveness.  What 
was  God's  purpose  in  knowing  and  seeking  Abraham  ? 
Interpret  "the  cry  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah".  Note 
verse  twenty-two  in  connection  with  the  problem  of 
the  identification  of  Abraham's  visitors. 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Dead  Sea",  "Plain,  Cities 
of  the".     Draw  a  map  of  the  region  of  the  Dead  Sea. 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  Visitors  of  Abraham. 

94 

ABRAHAM'S  PLEA 


Read:   Gen.    18:22-33;   Ryle,   18:22-33;   The   Dic- 
tionary, "Judgment". 

The  story  of  Abraham's  plea  for  the  two  wicked 
cities  sketches  most  graphically  the  worthiness  of  the 


1 06  The  Book  of  Genesis 

great  patriarch,  and  exhibits  the  mercy  and  justice 
of  God.  What  is  the  Oriental  posture  of  prayer  and 
intercession?  What  is  the  Western  posture?  Com- 
pare verses  22ff.  with  Jeremiah  5:1.  What  is  the 
idea  of  forgiveness  in  verse  twenty-four?  Comment 
upon  the  phrase,  "the  Judge  of  all  the  earth".  De* 
scribe  righteousness.  Whither  did  Abraham  "return" 
(verse  33)  ? 

II 
Bead:  The  Dictionary,  "Mercy",  "Justice". 

Ill 

Discuss  the  two  aspects  of  the  character  of  God  and 
man,  mercy  and  justice. 


95 
INTERCESSION  AND  FORGIVENESS 

I 

Read:  Ex.  32:9-14;  Nu.   14:15-20;  Amos  7:4-6; 
Num.  14:19. 
Who  and  what  were  the  agents  of  intercession  in 
the  Old  Testament? 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Prayer",  "Forgiveness". 

Ill 

Discuss  the  idea  of  prayer  in  the  Old  Testament 


Patriarchal  History  1 07 

96—101 
THE  RIGHTEOUS  AND  WICKED 


Eead  carefully  the  whole  book  of  Job,  keeping  in 
mind  the  problem  of  the  suffering  of  the  righteous. 
Read  also  The  Dictionary,  "Job".  Spend  five  hours 
on  the  work,  allowing  time  to  answer  the  following 
questions:  Read  the  prologue  of  the  book  of  Job 
again.  What  is  its  object?  How  does  it  introduce 
the  debate?  How  does  chapter  three  lead  to  the  de- 
bate which  follows?  Write  a  summary  of  each  cycle 
of  the  debate.  What  is  the  final  outcome  as  to  the 
problem  of  Job's  sufferings?  Make  a  summary  of 
the  speeches  of  Elihu  and  Jehovah,  and  of  the  epi- 
logue. What  is  the  course  of  thought  in  the  book? 
What  does  the  writer  intend  to  show? 

II 

What  is  the  argument  and  its  result  in  the  first 
cycle  ?  What  is  the  state  of  progress  of  the  argument 
at  the  end  of  the  second  cycle?  Make  an  outline  of 
chapter  28.  Compare  the  idea  of  wisdom  in  Proverbs 
8. 

Ill 

Read  again  chapters  38-41.  Write  an  outline  of 
each  of  the  two  speeches  of  Jehovah,  and  make  a 
summary  of  their  argument.     How  do  they  apply  to 


1 08  The  Book  of  Genesis 

Job's  problem?  What  are  the  finest  passages  in  the 
book,  and  why  ?  Does  the  book  present  a  satisfactory 
solution  of  the  problem  of  suffering?  If  not,  what 
is  its  religious  value? 


102 

REVIEW 

Eeview  Studies  92-101,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 


103 
LOT  AND  THE  ANGELS 


Read:  Gen.  19:  1-13;  Ryle,  19 :  1-13. 

In  this  story  we  have  an  account  of  the  visit  of  the 
angels  to  Lot  at  Sodom.  Lot  entertains  them  hospi- 
tably, but  the  neighbors  of  Lot  show  themselves  to 
be  gross  and  shameful  beyond  imagination.  In  at- 
tempting to  preserve  the  sanctity  of  the  ancient 
custom  of  hospitality,  Lot  allows  himself  to  fall  into 
an  inexcusable  temptation  to  sin.  Note  Kyle's  re- 
mark on  verse  eight.  What  shows  the  great  abhor- 
rence of  the  angels  for  the  sins  of  the  people  of 
Sodom  ?  Did  Lot  sin  ?  Is  temptation  to  sin  sinful  ? 
Why  are  only  two  angels  mentioned  in  this  story? 


Patriarchal  History  1 09 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Hospitality".  What  is  the 
moral  teaching  of  the  story? 

Ill 

Write  a  short  paper  to  show  how  the  morals  of  the 
people  must  be  commended  or  condemned  in  the  light 
of  their  own  civilization. 


104 
LOT'S  ESCAPE  TO  ZOAR 


Read:  Gen.  19  :  14-23;  Ryle,  19  :  14-23. 

Who  went  forth  with  Lot?  What  is  the  probable 
meaning  of  "sons  in  law"?  Illustrate.  Lot's  lin- 
gering shows  that  he  does  not  realize  the  depth  of  the 
sinfulness  of  the  people  of  his  city;  nor  does  he 
realize  the  certainty  with  which  ruin  follows  sin. 
How  is  the  mercy  of  God  shown  in  this  passage? 
Interpret  the  phrase,  "look  not  behind  thee".  What 
mountains  are  referred  to  in  verse  seventeen?  What 
is  the  meaning  of  "soul"  in  verse  twenty  ?  Interpret 
verse  twenty-one. 

II 

Write  an  estimate  of  Lot's  character. 


1  1 0  The  Book  of  Cenesis 

III 

What  virtues  and  vices,  from  our  point  of  view,  are 
illustrated  in  the  characters  of  Abraham  and  Lot? 
Describe  them. 


105 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  SODOM  AND 
GOMORRAH 


Bead:  Gen.  19:24-29;  Eyle,  19:24-29;  II  St.  Peter 
2:6-9;  St.  Jude  7. 

In  the  story  of  Sodom's  destruction,  Lot  appears 
as  the  central  figure.  His  choice  of  the  fertile  plain 
of  the  Jordan  had  brought  him  into  close  contact 
with  its  inhabitants,  the  Canaanites.  Abandoning 
his  nomadic  life,  he  had  become  a  citizen  of  the  cor- 
rupt city  of  Sodom.  When  at  last  Jehovah  had 
determined  to  destroy  the  city,  Abraham  interceded 
for  it.  Its  wickedness  proved  too  great  for  pardon. 
Lot,  who  hospitably  received  the  divine  messengers, 
was  finally  persuaded  to  flee  from  the  city,  and  thus 
escaped  the  destruction  that  fell  upon  it.  What  was 
the  possible  origin  of  the  story?  What  are  the  great 
religious  teachings  of  the  story  ?     Illustrate. 


Patriarchal  History  1  1  I 

II 

Were  great  calamities  in  the  past  usually  the  result 
of  wickedness?  Are  they  to-day?  Do  people  so  in- 
terpret the  destruction  of  San  Francisco  and  Messina  ? 

Ill 

The  great  epidemic  of  cholera  in  Hamburg  in  1892 
was  due  to  an  impure  water  supply.  At  that  time  the 
cholera  germ  had  not  been  clearly  identified.  Was 
sanitary  neglect  then  as  much  of  a  sin  as  it  would  be 
now?  May  we  properly  say  that  the  pestilence  was 
a  calamity  visited  on  that  city  as  a  punishment  for 
its  sin  of  neglect? 

106 
THE  ORIGIN  OF  MOAB  AND  AMMON 


Read:  Gen.  19:30-38;  Ryle,  19:30-38.  Read  care- 
fully what  Ryle  suggests  as  to  the  interpretation 
of  this  passage. 

In  connection  with  such  stories,  in  the  Bible  and  in 
other  ancient  literature,  and  in  order  to  make  a  just 
estimate  of  them,  we  are  obliged  to  transport  our- 
selves mentally  to  the  times  when  they  arose.  The 
moral  distinctions  of  different  ages  are  various,  and 
have    developed    gradually    from    lower    to    higher 


1  1 2  The  Book  of  Genesis 

levels.  The  laws,  customs,  and  ideas  of  Lot's  day 
were  very  different  from  what  they  are  in  the  full 
light  of  Christian  development.  Due  allowance  must, 
therefore,  be  made  in  all  such  ancient  stories.  What 
are  the  three  possible  interpretations  suggested  by 
Ryle?  Does  the  end  ever  justify  a  sinful  means? 
Illustrate  fully. 

II 
Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Moab",  "Amnion". 

Ill 

What  were  the  political  and  religious  character- 
istics of  these  two  peoples? 


107 

I 
Read:  Gen.  20;  12:10-20;  26:6-11;  Ryle,  20. 

Study  these  three  sections  carefully  with  a  view  to 
the  moral  teaching.  Can  you  detect  any  advance  in 
moral  thought  in  the  story  in  chapter  20  ? 

II 

Study  the  literary  style  of  these  three  stories. 
Write  a  paper  on  literary  characteristics  in  them. 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  religious  ideas  contained  in 
these  three  sections. 


Patriarchal  History  1 1  3 

108 
ABRAHAM'S  JOURNEY  SOUTHWARD 


Eead:  The  Dictionary.  "Negeb",  "Gerar",  "Wilder- 
ness". 

Enumerate  the  stopping-places  of  Abraham  since 
he  left  Babylonia.     Briefly  characterize  each. 

II 

Draw  a  map  of  southern  Palestine  and  insert  all 
names  of  that  district  which  you  have  so  far  met. 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  physical  characteristics  of 
southern  Palestine. 


109 

ABIMELECH 

I 

Eead:  The  Dictionary,  "Abimelech",  "Philistines". 

Study  the  story  of  Abimelech  and  write  a  paper  on 
his  character. 


1  1 4  The  Book  of  Genesis 

II 

Compare  the  moral  point  of  view  of  Abraham  as 
told  in  this  story  and  that  of  Abimelech.  What  was 
the  author's  idea  of  God? 

Ill 

Who  was  Abimelech?  Who  were  the  Philistines? 
Write  a  short  account  of  the  land  of  Philistia. 


110 

REVIEW 

Eeview  Studies  103-109,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 


111-113 
A  PROPHET 


Read:     The     Dictionary,     "Prophecy,     Prophets", 
"Prophetess". 

II 

Write    a    larger    paper    on    the    development    of 
prophecy. 


Patriarchal  History  I  1  5 

III 

Write  a  larger  paper  on  Messianic  prophecy. 

114 
THE  FEAR  OF  GOD 

I 
Eead :  Gen.  20 :  11 ;  The  Dictionary,  "Fear". 

What  is  the  Fear  of  God?  Illustrate.  Why  did 
Abraham  think  that  the  Fear  of  God  was  not  in 
Gerar  ? 

II 

What  was  the  attitude  of  Hebrews  toward 
strangers  ?  Was  Jehovah  the  god  of  the  Philistines  ? 
Who  was  the  Philistine  god? 

Ill 

What  are  polytheism,  henotheism,  and  monotheism  ? 
Discuss  them  with  illustrations  from  the  book  of 
Genesis. 

115-116 
THE  FOREIGNER 

I 

Read :  The  Book  of  Jonah ;  The  Dictionary,  "Jonah", 
"Parable". 
What  is  the  lesson  of  the  Book  of  Jonah?     Com- 


1  1  6  The  Book  of  Genesis 

pare  this  book  with  some  of  our  Lord's  parables.     Is 
the  Book  of  Jonah  a  parable  ? 

II 

Write  a  brief  summary  of  the  Book  of  Jonah,  trying 
to  do  it  in  such  a  way  as  to  bring  out  the  author's 
purpose.  Does  the  writer  intend  to  make  Jonah 
ludicrous?  If  so,  why?  Does  the  use  of  the  super- 
natural detract  from  the  power  of  the  story  of  Jonah, 
or  enhance  it  ? 

Ill 

Were  the  Hebrews  a  missionary  people  ?  Illustrate. 
What  are  Christian  Missions?  What  is  the  prime 
object  in  missionary  work?     Illustrate  fully. 


117 

MENTAL  RESERVATION 

I 
Read:  Gen.  20:12-13. 

What  was  the  law  in  Israel  as  to  marriages  with  a 
half-sister?  What  was  the  nature  of  Abraham's  ex- 
cuse? What  is  mental  reservation?  Is  it  ever 
justifiable?     Illustrate. 

II 

Why  did  Abimelech  so  generously  reward  Abra- 
ham ?     Was  Abimelech  to  blame  ?     What  is  the  mean- 


Patriarchal  History  I  1  7 

ing  of,  "it  is  for  thee  a  covering  of  the  eyes"  ?     Inter- 
pret, "in  respect  of  all  thou  art  righted". 

Ill 

When  was  this  story  written?     What  may  have 
been  its  real  original  form? 


118 

REVIEW 

Eeview  Studies  111-117,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 


THE  PATRIARCH  ISAAC 

119 

THE  BIRTH  OF  ISAAC 


Eead:  Gen.  21: 1-7;  Eyle,  21: 1-7. 

How  did  God  fulfill  the  long  delayed  promise? 
What  was  the  meaning  of  the  name  given  to  the 
child  ?  The  name,  which  Sarah  gave  to  her  son,  was, 
like  almost  all  Old  Testament  names,  one  which  has 
a  special  meaning.     Its  meaning  happily  expressed 


1  1 8  The  Book  of  Genesis 

her  joy  over  the  long  desired  son.     Write  a  short 
commentary  on  verse  six. 

II 

Eead :  The  Dictionary,  "Isaac".     Write  a  sketch  of 
the  life  of  Isaac. 

Ill 

Study   some    other   names   already   met   with    in 
Genesis. 


120 

THE  EXPULSION  OF  HAGAR 
AND  ISHMAEL 

I 
Read:  Gen.  21:8-21;  Eyle,  21:8-21;  Gal.  4:27-28. 
Compare  this  story  with  that  found  in  chapter  16. 
Which  is  the  more  ethical?     What  light  does  your 
study  throw  upon  the  development  of  moral  ideas  ? 

II 

Read  verses  nine,  fifteen,  and  seventeen,  and  write 
a  short  commentary  on  them. 

Ill 
Read:  The  Dictionary,  <rBeersheba",  and  write  a 
short  description  of  the  place,  and  of  the  surrounding 
country. 


Patriarchal  History  I  1 9 

121 

COVENANT    BETWEEN    ABRAHAM    AND 
ABIMELECH 


Read:  Gen.  21:22-34;  Ryle,  21:22-34. 

Who  suggested  the  covenant?  Who  was  with  the 
two  men?  Interpret  verse  twenty-five.  What  was 
the  material  used  in  the  ritual  of  the  covenant? 
What  is  the  meaning  of  Beersheba?  When  did  the 
Philistines  probably  come  to  Palestine?  Read:  The 
Dictionary,  "Tamarisk". 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Army",  "Host  of  Heaven". 

Ill 

Write  a  short  article  on  Old  Testament  warfare, 
emphasizing  the  religious  aspect  of  it. 

122-125 
PROPOSED  SACRIFICE  OF  ISAAC 

I 

Read :  Gen.  22 :  1-19 ;  Ryle,  22  :  1-19 ;  The  Dictionary, 
"Moriah",  " Jehovah- jireh" ;  Ryle,  "Special  Note 
on  the  Sacrifice  of  Isaac",  pp.  240-24.5. 
What  surprising  command  did  God  give  to  Abra- 


1 20  The  Book  of  Genesis 

ham  regarding  his  son  ?  What  was  God's  purpose  in 
this?  How  did  Abraham  obey  the  command?  In 
what  two  ways  did  God  indicate  his  approval  ?  What 
did  Abraham  sacrifice  in  the  place  of  his  son  ?  What 
is  the  meaning  of  the  passage,  "God  did  prove  Abra- 
ham"? What  is  "the  land  of  Moriah"?  Define  and 
describe  a  burnt  offering.  Write  a  commentary  on 
verses  nine,  twelve,  and  thirteen.  What  is  the  mean- 
ing of  the  name  " Jehovah-]  ireh"?  Write  a  note  on 
the  phrase,  "it  shall  be  provided".  Why  does  God 
swear  by  himself  ?  Write  a  note  on,  "saith  the  Lord", 
in  verse  sixteen.  What  is  the  content  of  the  blessing 
in  verse  seventeen  ? 

II 

Why  did  the  prophets  preserve  the  story  of  the 
sacrifice  of  Isaac  ?  Eead :  Micah  6 :  6-8,  and  compare 
it  with  this  story.  Which  is  the  most  important 
teaching  of  the  story:  the  importance  of  unquestion- 
ing faith  and  obedience,  or  the  uselessness  of  human 
sacrifice?  Does  God  ever  command  people  to  do 
what  they  sincerely  think  to  be  wrong  ?  In  the  great 
trial  of  his  faith,  how  was  Abraham  a  type  of  God 
the  Father? 

Ill 

Make  a  study  of  human  sacrifice  and  write  a  paper 
on  its  fate  in  the  Old  Testament. 


Patriarchal  History  121 

126 
GENEALOGY  OF  NAHOR 


Read:  Gen.  22:  20-24;  Ryle,  22:  20-24;  The  Diction- 
ary, "Milcah". 

Discuss  the  question  of  the  home  of  Nahor  and  his 
sons.  Who  were  Nahor's  wives  ?  What  do  the  names 
of  the  sons  represent?  Why  is  this  narrative  here 
preserved  ? 

II 

Draw  a  map  of  Syria.  Locate  as  many  of  the 
names  in  this  chapter  as  you  can. 

Ill 

What  bearing  has  this  section  upon  the  question  of 
the  historicity  of  the  patriarchs  ?     Illustrate. 


127 

REVIEW 

Review  Studies  119-126,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 


1 22  The  Book  of  Genesis 

128—129 
THE  CAVE  OF  MACHPELAH 


Read:  Gen.  23;  Kyle,  23. 

Read  this  chapter  and  note  the  legal  and  statistical 
minuteness  of  its  style.  What  light  does  this  throw 
upon  legal  and  business  procedure  in  the  East?  Ex- 
plain Kiriath-arba.  Who  are  the  children  of  Heth? 
Write  a  note  on  the  phrase,  "a  mighty  prince".  Write 
a  commentary  on  verse  sixteen.  Who  besides  Sarah 
were  buried  in  the  cave  of  Machpelah? 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Ephron",  "Zohar",  "Mach- 
pelah". Write  a  detailed  account  of  the  cave  of 
Machpelah. 

Ill 

Read  again :  The  Dictionary,  "Hittites".  Write  a 
paper  on  the  "Hittites  in  the  Old  Testament". 

130—132 
THE  STORY  OF  REBEKAH 

I 
Read:  Gen.  24 ;  Ryle,  24. 

Put  the  substance  of  this  beautiful  story  in  your 


Patriarchal  History  123 

own  words.  What  do  you  think  we  have  here,  clan  or 
personal  experience?  Who  was  Abraham's  servant? 
What  ceremony  is  described  in  verse  two?  What  is 
the  idea  of  the  character  of  Jehovah  in  this  chapter  ? 
What  country  is  referred  to  in  verse  four?  Write  a 
commentary  on  verse  seven.  What  is  referred  to  in 
verse  twenty-seven?  How  was  Eebekah  related  to 
Abraham?  What  was  the  betrothal  gift?  What  is 
the  religious  teaching  of  the  story? 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Eebekah",  "Laban", 
"Bethuel".  Why  should  Abraham  have  been  so 
anxious  to  have  his  son  married  to  one  of  his  own 
kindred?  What  is  your  opinion  of  Eebekah  as  she 
is  described  in  this  chapter?  What  is  the  custom  of 
Oriental  marriages  illustrated  by  this  chapter,  and 
what  New  Testament  story  does  it  illustrate ?  What 
elements  of  Oriental  marriage  customs  do  we  perpet- 
uate in  our  marriages,  and  with  what  modifications? 
What  part  did  Eebekah  play,  and  what  Oriental 
custom  does  she  comply  with  upon  her  first  sight  of 
Isaac  ? 

Ill 

Eead  the  story  of  Eebekah  again.  Describe  its 
style.  Eead:  The  Dictionary,  "Aram,  Arameans". 
Draw  a  map  of  Mesopotamia  and  insert  the  most  im- 
portant names  you  have  thus  far  met  with  in  Genesis. 


1 24  The  Book  °f  Genesis 

133 

ABRAHAM'S  DESCENDANTS  BY  KETURAH 


Read:  Gen.  25:1-6;  Ryle,  25:1-6. 

In  order  to  complete  the  account  of  the  descendants 
of  Abraham,  we  have  here  a  narrative  of  his  children 
by  Keturah.  These  seem  to  be  the  eponyms  of  those 
clans  and  tribes  that  lived  in  the  North  Arabian 
desert.  Note  that  the  source  is  J.  The  people  are 
desert  tribes.  The  divine  name  preserved  by  J  is 
Jehovah.  These  desert  peoples  bordered  Judah  on 
the  south.  Is  there  a  connection  here  between  the 
use  of  Jehovah  as  the  name  for  God  in  the  Southern 
Kingdom  and  the  name  Jehovah  as  that  of  a  desert 
people?  Would  not  the  name  El  Shaddai  ("God 
Almighty"),  God  of  the  mountain,  be  appropriate  for 
those  descendants  of  Abraham  who  remained  in  the 
mountainous  districts  of  Canaan,  who  finally  passed 
into  Egypt,  and  who  at  the  Exodus  had  forgotten 
that  their  god  had  been  known  under  the  name  Jeho- 
vah ?  They  call  him  Elohim,  God ;  but  the  father-in- 
law  of  Moses,  a  Midianite,  calls  him  Jehovah.  The 
two  names  refer  to  the  same  god.  Hence,  Moses 
recognizes  Jethro's  god. 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Keturah",  "Medan", 
"Midian",  "Sheba",  "Dedan". 


Patriarchal  History  1 25 

III 

Draw  a  map  of  the  country  east  and  south  of  the 
Jordan.     Fill  in  the  names  of  tribes  and  nations. 


134 

THE    DEATH    OF    ABRAHAM    AND    THE 
DESCENDANTS  OF  ISHMAEL 


Eead:  Gen.  25:  7-18;  Kyle,  25:  7-18. 

How  old  was  Abraham  when  he  died,  and  what  is 
the  meaning  of  "full  of  years"?  What  is  the  mean- 
ing of  the  phrase,  "he  was  gathered  to  his  people"? 
What  is  the  meaning  of  the  sentence,  "he  abode 
in  the  presence  of  all  his  brethren"?  Name  the 
descendants  of  Ishmael. 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Nebaioth",  "Kedar",  "Ad- 
beer,  "Mibsam",  "Mishma",  "Dumah",  "Massa", 
"Hadad",  "Tema",  "Jetur",  "Naphish",  "Kademah". 

Ill 

Insert  these  names  in  your  map. 


126  The  Book  of  Genesis 

135—136 

ABRAHAM,  THE  NATIONAL  HERO 


Abraham  was  unquestionably  a  great  man  of  un- 
bounded loyalty  and  noble  character.  He  stood  some 
very  severe  tests.  His  nobility,  magnanimity,  cour- 
age, usefulness,  and  splendid  faith  made  him  a  man 
who  was  truly  human,  but  who  upheld  and  exhibited 
the  best  traditions  of  friendship  with  God.  His 
character  reflects  in  many  ways  the  age  in  which  he 
lived;  which,  generally  speaking,  was  an  ideal  for  all 
time.  He  demonstrated  the  power  of  a  life  in  fellow- 
ship with  God.  Analyse  the  character  of  Abraham 
and  state  the  constituent  elements  of  his  greatness. 
Re-read  his  life  with  this  in  view. 

II 

Why  do  men  as  a  rule  idealize  the  dead  ?  Does  the 
primitive  tendency  to  ancestor  worship  in  part  ex- 
plain this?  Is  the  tendency  to  idealize  men  of  the 
past  beneficial  in  its  effect  upon  the  race?  What 
would  be  the  effect  if  all  the  iniquity  of  the  past  were 
remembered?  Is  Shakespeare  right  when  he  says, 
"The  evil  that  men  do  lives  after  them;  the  good  is 
oft  interred  with  their  bones"?  Cite  some  illustra- 
tions from  Greek,  Roman,  English,  and  American 
history  of  idealized  national  heroes.  Why  are  they 
often  thought  of  as  descendants  of  the  gods? 


Patriarchal  History  127 

III 

Do  the  portraits  of  national  heroes  exert  good  in- 
fluence upon  peoples?  Compare  the  great  heroes  of 
Greek  mythology  with  those  of  Genesis.  Are  the 
differences  due  to  the  peculiar  genius  of  each  race,  or 
in  part  to  the  influence  exerted  by  the  ideals  thus 
concretely  presented  upon  each  succeeding  genera- 
tion ?  Is  it  probable  that  in  the  character  of  Abraham 
the  traditional  father  of  the  Hebrew  race  was  ideal- 
ized? Is  it  possible  that  teachers  of  Israel  fostered 
this  tendency  that  they  might  in  this  concrete  and 
effective  way  impress  their  great  teachings  upon  their 
race?  If  so,  does  it  decrease  or  enhance  the  value 
and  authority  of  these  stories? 

137—139 

PERMANENT  VALUE  OF  THE  ABRAHAM 
NARRATIVES 

Answer  and  discuss  all  the  following  questions  and  points 
very  fully. 

I 

Whether  Abraham  was  an  historical  character  or 
not  may  never  be  susceptible  of  absolute  proof.  The 
permanent  and  universal  value  of  the  stories  about 
him,  however,  lies  in  the  great  moral  principles  which 
they  vividly  and  effectively  illustrate.  The  portrait 
of  Abraham  was  an  inspiring  example  to  hold  up 
before  a  race.     The  characteristics  of  Abraham  can 


128  The  Book  of  Genesis 

be  traced  in  the  ideals  and  character  of  the  Israelites. 
They  were  undoubtedly  an  important  force  in  develop- 
ing the  nation.  Abraham  was,  therefore,  preemi- 
nently a  spiritual  pioneer.  How  far  do  these  stories, 
and  especially  the  accounts  of  the  covenant  between 
Jehovah  and  Abraham,  embody  the  national  and 
spiritual  aspirations  of  the  race?  Are  the  Abraham 
stories  of  practical  inspiration  to  the  present  time? 
Illustrate.  Discuss  Abraham  as  a  Man  of  Faith. 
Give  full  references. 

II 

What  qualities  in  the  character  of  Abraham  are 
essential  to  the  general  man  of  any  age?  Illustrate. 
How  far  would  the  Abraham  of  these  stories  succeed, 
were  he  living  in  America  to-day  ?  Discuss  Abraham 
as  a  Pioneer.     Give  full  references. 

Ill 

Would  Abraham  be  appreciated  by  a  majority  of 
our  citizens?  Are  spiritual  pioneers  of  the  type  of 
Abraham  absolutely  needed  in  every  nation  and  gen- 
eration if  the  human  race  is  to  progress  ?  Illustrate. 
Write  an  estimate  of  the  life  and  character  of  Abra- 
ham.    Give  full  references. 


140 

REVIEW 

Review  Studies  128-139,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 


Patriarchal  History  129 

THE  PATRIARCH  JACOB 

141 

JACOB 

I 

Read:  Gen.  25:  19-34;  Ryle,  25:  19-34;  The  Diction- 
ary, "Jacob". 

The  narratives  about  Jacob  are  compelling  in  the 
interest  they  excite  and  remarkable  as  sketches  of 
character.  The  real  Jacob  stands  out  clearly.  He 
exhibits  the  strength  and  the  weakness  of  his  race. 
The  details  are  such  as  to  compel  the  student  to  trace 
the  origin  of  the  tribes  of  Israel  to  this  one  man, 
Jacob.  Yet  there  are  indications  in  the  Bible  to  the 
effect  that  the  Hebrews  were  a  mixed  race,  and  it  has 
been  conjectured  that  foreign  elements  are  repre- 
sented by  the  children  of  Jacob  by  his  concubines. 
Where  was  the  story  of  Jacob's  courtship  told?  Dis- 
cuss the  name  Paddan-aram.  What  are  the  indica- 
tions in  verse  twenty-three  that  we  are  reading  tribal 
history  ? 

II 

How  did  Jacob  secure  the  rights  of  a  first-born  son  ? 
Describe  the  '^birthright".  Write  a  note  on  the 
phrase,  "so  Esau  despised  his  birthright". 

Ill 
Read:    Ryle,  "Special  Note  on  25:26",  pp.  272/. 
Outline  the  life  of  Jacob  as  given  in  the  Dictionary. 


1  30  The  Book  of  Genesis 

142 
ESAU 


Head:  The  Dictionary,  "Esau",  "Edom". 

The  contrast  between  Esau  and  Jacob  embodied 
that  which  existed  for  a  long  time  between  the  Edom- 
ites  and  the  Israelites,  their  respective  descendants. 
It  was  the  difference  between  a  settled,  agricultural 
people,  and  a  roving,  nomadic  people.  The  former 
developed  carefulness  and  prudence;  the  latter  lived 
from  day  to  day.  Make  a  further  study  of  the  con- 
trasts between  Esau  and  Jacob.     Illustrate  fully. 

II 

Which  on  the  whole  is  the  more  attractive,  Esau  or 
Jacob  ?  What  noble  virtues  did  Esau  possess  ?  What 
was  his  great  fault  ?  Why  is  it  that  men  of  the  type 
of  Esau  often  become  criminals  ? 

Ill 

Give  the  character  of  Esau  as  interpreted  in  the 
New  Testament.     Discuss  it. 


Patriarchal  History  1 3 1 

143—144 

ISAAC  IN  PHILISTIA 


Eead :  Gen.  26 ;  Ryle,  26. 

The  whole  story  in  this  chapter  and  its  details  are 
so  similar  to  that  about  Abraham's  experiences  in 
Philistia  that  it  has  been  thought  that  this  is  not  an 
independent  narrative.  If  that  be  not  so,  how  do  you 
explain  the  presence  of  the  name  Abimelech?  De- 
scribe Isaac's  prosperity  in  Philistia.  Give  the  names 
of  Isaac's  wells,  with  their  meanings.  What  pious 
act  did  Isaac  do  at  Beersheba?  Who  was  present 
with  Abimelech  when  the  treaty  was  made  with  Isaac  ? 
How  many  wives  had  Esau?  Name  them.  Com- 
ment upon  verse  thirty-five  ? 

II 

Why  has  Isaac  been  called  a  patriarch  without  a 
history?  What  were  the  three  revelations  to  Abra- 
ham concerning  the  child  of  promise?  In  what  re- 
spects of  life  and  character  did  Isaac  differ  from  his 
father,  Abraham,  and  his  son,  Jacob?  Describe  the 
land  where  Isaac  lived.  What  was  the  great  problem 
of  his  life?     What  were  Isaac's  trials  and  sorrows? 

Ill 

Make  a  detailed  comparison  between  the  events  of 
Isaac's  life  and  those  that  were  similar  in  that  of  his 
father.     What  are  your  conclusions? 


1  32  The  Bool?  of  Genesis 

145—147 

THE   BLESSING  OF   ISAAC  AND   JACOB'S 
DECEIT 


Read :  Gen.  27 :  1-45 ;  Ryle,  27 :  1-45 ;  The  Dictionary, 
"Haran". 

Re-read  this  beautifully  written  narrative  which  so 
well  exhibits  the  cleverness  and  far-sightedness  of 
Jacob,  and  his  readiness  to  gratify  his  ambition  even 
in  a  dishonourable  way.  Note  that  the  Oriental 
thought  a  great  deal  more  of  the  power  of  a  blessing 
than  do  Western  peoples.  Rebekah  wanted  to  be  sure 
that  Jacob  did  not  lose  anything,  and  the  steps  she 
took  to  deceive  her  husband  were  wholly  discreditable 
from  our  point  of  view.  However,  neither  Jacob  nor 
his  mother  attempted  to  justify  themselves.  But  the 
sin  did  not  remain  unpunished,  for  a  train  of  bitter 
consequences  ensued.  Jacob  was  punished  by  exile 
from  home,  and  Rebekah  never  again  saw  the  face  of 
her  beloved  son  for  whom  she  had  sacrificed  so  much. 
What  did  the  dying  Isaac  wish  to  do  for  his  eldest 
son?  How  did  Rebekah  enable  Jacob  to  benefit  by 
this  desire?  What  shows  that  Jacob  was  fully  re- 
sponsible for  the  deceit?  What  promises  did  the 
blessing  convey?  What  were  the  consequences  for 
Esau?  What  serious  consequences  resulted  for 
Jacob  ?  Comment  on  verses  seven,  eight,  twenty,  and 
twenty-eight. 


Patriarchal  History  \  33 

II 

What  was  the  nature  of  Jacob's  ambition?  An- 
swer carefully.  How  did  it  differ  from  that  of  Abra- 
ham? What  methods  did  he  use  to  achieve  his 
ambition?  Were  these  methods  justifiable?  May 
Jacob's  action  be  excused  because  he  was  acting  under 
the  direction  of  his  mother?  Discuss  fully  the  ex- 
pression, "The  end  justifies  the  means".  Comment 
on  verses  twenty-nine  and  thirty. 

Ill 

Does  a  man  with  a  selfish  ambition  injure  others? 
Does  he  injure  himself?  Illustrate.  Was  Jacob  a 
stronger  and  more  promising  character  than  Esau? 
Why  ?  Would  it  be  preferable  to  have  a  son  of  strong 
character  with  vicious  tendencies,  or  a  weakling  with 
harmless  and  virtuous  inclinations?  Discuss  and 
illustrate  fully.  Read  verses  thirty-four  to  thirty- 
eight  again.  Comment  on  their  style  and  contents. 
Interpret  the  phrase,  "of  the  fatness  of  the  earth",  in 
verse  thirty-nine.  Write  notes  on  verses  forty,  forty- 
one,  and  forty-five.  Describe  the  custom  of  blood- 
revenge. 

148 

REVIEW 

Review  Studies  141-147,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 


1  34  The  Book  of  Genesis 

149-150 
JACOB'S  TRIP  TO  PADDAN-ARAM 

I 

Eead:  Gen.  27:46—28:9;  Kyle,  27:46—28:9;  the 
Book  of  Ruth;  The  Dictionary,  "Ruth". 
Notice  that  this  story  comes  from  the  source  P. 
In  later  Judaism,  there  were  those  who  believed  that 
Jews  should  not  marry  with  non-Jews.  On  the  other 
hand,  there  were  many  who  believed  that  such  a 
procedure  was  perfectly  legitimate.  The  writer  of 
this  story  evidently  had  a  horror  of  mixed  marriages. 
Rebekah  bids  Jacob  go  to  Paddan-aram  to  her  own 
family,  to  seek  a  wife.  He  was  advised  to  marry  his 
cousin.  Esau  seeing  this  determines  to  be  partic- 
ularly pleasing  to  his  father  and  marries  a  paternal 
cousin,  Mahalath,  the  daughter  of  Ishmael,  Abra- 
ham's son.  The  beautiful  story  of  Ruth  was  written 
not  far  from  the  time  when  P  was  compiled,  and  by  a 
Jew  who  believed  in  intermarriage  with  foreigners. 

II 

Put  the  story  of  Ruth  in  your  own  words.  De- 
scribe the  purpose  of  the  book.  Put  Ruth  1 :  16-17  in 
verse  form.  What  was  the  attitude  of  Ezra  and 
Nehemiah  toward  mixed  marriages? 

Ill 

Write  a  full  paper  on  the  religious  value  to  the 
Hebrew,  and  the  present  religious  value,  of  the  Book 
of  Ruth. 


Patriarchal  History  1  35 

151 
JACOB'S  DREAM 

I 

Read:  Gen.  28:  10-17;  Ryle,  28 :  10-17. 

The  story  of  Jacob's  vision  is  one  of  the  most  im- 
pressive and  suggestive  in  any  religious  literature. 
It  is  full  of  religious  meaning.  Jacob  had  left  his 
home  at  Beersheba,  and  was  now  far  away  from  the 
country  of  his  god.  He  believed  this  to  be  so,  for 
each  country  had  its  own  god.  But  Jacob's  dream 
assured  him  that  his  god  was  ever  with  him,  would 
protect  and  guide  him  in  all  his  ways.  What  did 
Jacob  dream  on  the  first  night  of  his  journey  ?  What 
comforting  promises  were  made  to  him?  In  what 
does  the  promise  consist?  In  what  did  his  blessing 
consist?  Interpret  the  phrase,  "how  dreadful",  in 
verse  seventeen.  What  important  discovery  about 
God  did  Jacob  make? 

II 

What  New  Testament  passage  explains  Jacob's 
ladder,  and  who  preached  a  great  sermon  on  it  ?  What 
great  hymn  was  suggested  by  this  story  ?  What  name 
did  Jacob  give  to  the  place  of  his  vision?  What  is 
the  religious  significance  of  that  name? 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  Jacob's  dream,  interpreting  it  in 
the  terms  of  conversion. 


1  36  The  Book  °f  Genesis 

152—154 
THE  SANCTUARY 


Read :   Gen.  28 :  18-19 ;  Kyle,  28 :  18-19 ;  The  Diction- 
ary, "Luz",  "Bethel",  "Temple". 

The  Hebrew  idea  of  the  origin  of  one  of  their 
most  sacred  sanctuaries  is  preserved  in  this  narra- 
tive. Its  existence  began  as  a  memorial  of  Jacob's 
religious  experience.  But  according  to  Gen.  12 :  8 
the  place  had  already  sacred  associations.  We  see 
here  also  the  first  reference  in  Genesis  to  a  "house  of 
God",  an  institution  which  played  a  very  important 
part  in  the  development  of  Judaism.  Make  a  full 
outline  of  the  history  of  the  temple.  Describe  the 
service  of  the  Temple. 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Pillar",  "High  Place". 
Trace  the  growth  of  the  early  Hebrew  sanctuary. 

Ill 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Synagogue".  Write  a 
paper  to  show  its  relation  to  the  Temple.  Describe 
the  service  of  the  Synagogue. 


Patriarchal  History  1  37 

155 
JACOB'S  VOW 

I 

Read:  Gen.  28:20-22;  Ryle,  28:20-22. 

What  do  you  think  of  the  bargain  which  Jacob  sug- 
gested with  God?  Is  it  characteristic  of  Jacob? 
Write  notes  on  verses  twenty-one  and  twenty-two. 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Vows".  Discuss  the  rela- 
tion between  a  covenant  and  a  vow. 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  Vow  in  the  Old  Testament. 

156 

REVIEW 

Review  Studies  149-155,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 

157-158 
JACOB  IN  HARAN 

I 

Read :  Gen.  29  : 1-30 ;  Ryle,  29  :  1-30 ;  The  Dictionary, 
"Rachel",  "Leah". 
In  this  story  of  Jacob's  new  adventure,  note  the 


138  The  Book  of  Genesis 

role  played  by  the  well.  Whom  did  Jacob  meet  at  the 
well?  Interpret  the  relationship  referred  to  in  verse 
twelve.  What  agreement  did  Laban  make  with  Jacob 
in  reference  to  Rachel?  How  long  did  Jacob  serve 
for  Rachel?  Describe  an  Oriental  marriage  feast. 
What  was  Laban's  reason  for  demanding  that  Jacob 
marry  Leah  first?  What  is  the  Hebrew  law  about 
marriage  with  two  sisters  simultaneously? 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Zilpah",  "Bilhah".  Make 
a  detailed  comparison  between  Rachel  and  Leah, 
Jacob  and  Laban. 

Ill 

Describe  the  meeting  of  Jacob  and  Rachel.  Was 
Laban's  explanation  to  Jacob  plausible,  and  what 
good  point  in  Jacob's  character  comes  out  here? 
State  some  of  the  evils  of  polygamy  ?  What  relation 
does  the  form  of  marriage  bear  to  the  development 
of  society?    Illustrate. 


159-162 

JACOB'S  CHILDREN 

I 
Read:    Gen.   29:31—30:24;  Kyle,  29:31—30:24; 

The  Dictionary,  "Reuben",  "Simeon",   "Levi", 


Patriarchal  History  I  39 

"Judah",  "Dan",  "Naphtali",  "Gad",  "Asher", 
"Issachar",  "Zebulun",  "Dinah". 

Learn  the  names  of  the  children  of  Jacob.  Which 
were  born  in  Haran,  and  which  in  Canaan?  Who 
were  the  children  of  Leah,  Rachel,  Zilpah,  and  Bil- 
hah?  Interpret  verse  two.  What  is  the  meaning  of 
the  phrase,  "bear  upon  my  knees"?  Interpret  verse 
fourteen.    What  was  the  name  of  Jacob's  daughter  ? 

II 

Write  a  short  biography  of  each  of  Jacob's  first 
eleven  children,  with  full  interpretation  and  mean- 
ing of  their  names. 

Ill 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Tribes  of  Israel".  Write 
a  paper  on  the  personal  and  tribal  interpretation  of 
the  children  of  Israel. 


163 
JACOB'S  WAGES 

I 

Read :  Gen.  30  :  25-43 ;  Ryle,  30 :  25-43. 

Describe  in  full  how  Jacob  outwitted  Laban.  What 
is  the  meaning  of  "righteousness"  in  verse  thirty- 
three?    What  is  the  scientific  explanation  of  Jacob's 


1 40  The  Book  of  Genesis 

artifice?     Note  the  grim  humour  running  through 
these  stories. 

II 

Jacob's  transgression  led  him  into  great  difficulties 
of  physical  and  mental  experience.  Are  there  any- 
other  ways  in  which  men  of  this  type  can  be  led  to 
appreciate  that  their  ambitions  are  wrong?  Was 
Laban  any  more  unjust  or  tricky  in  his  dealings  with 
Jacob  than  Jacob  had  been  with  Esau,  or  than  Jacob 
was  with  Laban? 

Ill 

Why  should  divine  favour  and  care  shield  a  selfish 
deceiver  from  the  consequences  of  his  misdeeds  ?  Do 
we  find  such  instances  to-day?  How  do  you  explain 
them?  What  promising  elements  did  God  find  in 
Jacob's  character?  What  practical  lesson  did  Jacob 
learn  in  Haran?  Was  Jacob  a  conscious  hypocrite? 
Study  and  analyze  Sunday  and  week-day  religious 
conduct. 


164 

THE  FLIGHT  OF  JACOB 

Read:  Gen.  31 :  1-21 ;  Ryle,  31 : 1-21 ;  The  Dictionary, 
"Images". 

Read  verses  twenty-five  to  thirty-one  of  the  last 
chapter  again  and  note  the  differences.  Notice  the 
difference  between  verses  three  and  ten  as  to  the  way 


Patriarchal  History  1 4 1 

in  which  Jacob  communed  with  God.  What  is  the 
title  of  God  in  verse  thirteen?  Explain  it.  What 
were  the  teraphim  ? 

II 

How  did  Jacob  justify  his  sudden  departure  ?  Why 
did  Rachel  steal  the  teraphim?  Read:  The  Diction- 
ary, page  412  (9),  and  page  569  (e).  How  were 
these  images  used  in  divination  ? 

Ill 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Euphrates",  "Gilead". 
Map  out  Jacob's  journey  since  he  left  Canaan. 


165 
THE  PURSUIT  AND  COVENANT 


Read :  Gen.  31 :  22-55 ;  Ryle,  31 :  22-55 ;  The  Diction- 
ary, "Jegar-sahadutha",  "Galeed". 

When  and  where  did  Laban  overtake  Jacob  ?  What 
was  Jehovah's  purpose  in  his  warning  to  Laban? 
What  is  the  character  of  Laban's  reproach?  What 
was  Jacob's  reply  to  Laban's  questions?  Comment 
on  verse  thirty-six.  Analyze  Jacob's  protest.  De- 
scribe the  ritual  of  the  covenant  between  Laban  and 
Jacob. 


1 42  The  Book  of  Genesis 

II 

How  did  Jacob  get  the  start  of  Laban?  What 
kept  Laban  from  killing  Jacob?  Cite  the  passage 
that  shows  the  hardness  of  Jacob's  life  in  Haran? 
What  were  the  terms  of  the  covenant  ? 

Ill 

Discuss  the  phrase,  "the  Fear  of  Isaac".  What 
deities  were  invoked  in  the  treaty?  Read:  The 
Dictionary,  "Mizpah".  What  is  its  use  in  this 
passage  ? 

166 

REVIEW 

Review  Studies  157-165,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 


167 

THE  APPROACH  OF  ESAU  AND 
JACOB'S  PRESENT 


Read:  Gen.  32:1-21;  Ryle,  32:1-21;  Ps.  34:7;  II 
Kings  6:  17. 

What  assurance  of  safety  did  God  give  Jacob  in 


Patriarchal  History  143 

view  of  his  apprehended  trouble  in  meeting  Esau? 
What  name  did  Jacob  give  to  the  place,  and  why? 
Cite  a  passage  in  the  Psalms  on  this  subject,  and  an 
incident  in  the  life  of  Elisha.  What  plan  did  Jacob 
adopt  for  meeting  his  brother  ?  What  report  did  the 
messengers  make  to  Jacob?  What  was  Jacob's  re- 
quest, and  how  did  he  cooperate  in  bringing  it 
about?  What  present  did  he  send  Esau,  and  what 
was  the  plan  of  presentation  ? 

II 

Outline  Jacob's  prayer.  What  evidence  is  there  of 
an  altered  disposition  on  the  part  of  Jacob?  What 
are  the  elements  of  power  in  his  prayer  ?  Eead :  The 
Dictionary,  "Mahanaim",  "Seir". 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  idea  and  purpose  of  prayer. 


168 

JACOB'S  WRESTLING 

I 
Eead:  Gen.  32:  22-32;  Ryle,  32:  22-32. 

Read  this  passage  again  and  outline  it.  Write  a 
note  on  the  phrase,  "there  wrestled  a  man".  Com- 
ment on  verse  twenty-eight.  What  was  the  Hebrew 
belief  about  seeing  God?      Write  a  note  on  verse 


144 


The  Book  of  Genesis 


thirty-two.  Upon  what  points  does  the  religious 
significance  of  the  story  tarn  ?  What  is  the  religious 
teaching  of  the  story?  What  new  name  was  given 
to  Jacob,  and  why?  "What  matchless  hymn  was 
suggested  by  this  event  in  Jacob's  life? 

II 

Analyze  Jacob's  power  with  God  and  his  power 
with  men.  Cite  several  instances  in  Scripture  of  the 
change  of  name  and  the  justification  for  such  change. 
Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Jabbok",  "Penuel". 


Ill 


Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Conscience".     What  part 
did  Jacob's  conscience  play  in  this  story  ? 


169 


THE  MEETING  OF  JACOB  AND  ESAU 


Read :  Gen.  33  :  1-20 ;  Ryle,  33  : 1-20 ;  The  Dictionary, 
"Succoth". 

Write  an  outline  of  this  event.  Explain  the  various 
points  of  Oriental  ritual  in  this  story.  Comment  on 
the  phrase,  "as  one  seeth  the  face  of  God".  What 
was  the  idea  of  the  gift?     Where  is  Succoth? 


Patriarchal  History  1 45 

II 

How  did  Jacob  shield  Rachel  from  danger  in  this 
plan  of  meeting  Esau?  What  was  the  effect  upon 
Esau  of  Jacob's  attitude?  How  did  Jacob  evade 
Esau's  proposal  to  accompany  him  on  the  journey? 
Eead:  The  Dictionary,  "Hamor".  Interpret  the 
name  El-elohe-Israel. 

Ill 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Peace",  and  write  a  paper 
on  family  and  national  peace. 

170 

THE  STORY  OF  DINAH 


Read:  Gen.  34;  Ryle,  34. 

Enumerate  the  difficulties  presented  by  this  chap- 
ter, and  discuss  them.  What  did  Jacob  demand  as 
the  price  of  marriage  relationship  between  his  people 
and  the  Shechemites?  Cite  the  dying  testimony  of 
Jacob  relative  to  this  incident. 

II 

How  does  the  Biblical  writer  appear  to  justify 
Jacob's  deed  of  treachery?  What  condition  must  be 
considered  in  studying  such  a  story  as  this?  Would 
we  justify  Jacob's  act  ?     Why  ? 


1 46  The  Book  of  Genesis 

III 

Compare  the  characters  of  Jacob  and  Isaac.  What 
part  of  Jacob's  character  was  inherited  from  his 
father?  What  part  may  be  attributed  to  divine 
discipline  ? 

171 
JACOB  AT  BETHEL 

I 

Read:  Gen.  35:1-15;  Ryle,  35:1-15. 

Jacob  now  goes  and  makes  his  home  at  Bethel, 
where  he  erected  an  altar  and  sacrificed  to  God.  He 
commands  his  household  to  put  away  all  strange  gods. 
Who  were  these  gods?  What  was  the  "great  terror" 
which  seized  the  people  ?  What  was  another  name  of 
Bethel?  What  is  the  meaning  of  El-beth-el?  De- 
scribe the  ceremony  at  the  setting  up  of  the  "pillar 
of  stone".     Who  was  Deborah? 

II 

Compare  Gen.  35  :  9-15  with  28 :  10-22.  Make  a 
detailed  statement.  Explain  the  names  "Israel"  and 
"Bethel". 

Ill 

Making  use  of  the  article,  "Sacrifice  and  Offering", 
in  the  Dictionary,  write  a  paper  on  the  significance 
of  the  drink  offering  mentioned  in  verse  fourteen. 
What  is  the  significance  of  the  use  of  oil? 


Patriarchal  History  147 

172 

BENJAMIN 


Read:  Gen.  35  :  16-29 ;  Eyle,  35 :  16-29 ;  The  Diction- 
ary, "Benjamin",  "Eder". 

Where  did  Rachel  die  and  where  was  Benjamin 
born?  What  is  the  meaning  of  Ben-oni?  What  is 
the  meaning  of  Benjamin  ?  Where  is  Eder  and  with 
what  has  it  been  identified?  Where  did  Jacob  go 
from  Ephrath?  What  important  event  happened 
there  ? 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  '^Bethlehem".  Write  a  short 
history  of  the  city. 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  fortunes  of  the  tribe  of 
Benjamin. 


173 


REVIEW 

Review  Studies  167-172,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 


1 48  The  Book  of  Genesis 

174-178 

JACOB  THE  AMBITIOUS 

Answer  and  discuss  the  following  questions  and  points 
ver\)  fully. 


All  history  witnesses  to  the  power  of  accomplish- 
ment in  the  combination  of  ambition  and  perseverance. 
Such  examples  as  Cyrus,  Caesar,  and  Napoleon  illus- 
trate this.  But  a  nobler  power  of  accomplishment 
results  from  consecrated  ambition  and  perseverance. 
Compare  Livingston.  What  was  the  nature  of  Jacob's 
ambition?  Would  you  call  Jacob  a  truly  religious 
man,  according  to  his  light  and  training,  or  were  his 
religious  professions  only  hypocritical  ?  May  he  have 
been  sincere,  but  have  had  a  wrong  conception  of 
religion?  What  is  hypocrisy?  Did  Jacob's  faith  in 
Jehovah,  in  the  end,  prove  the  strongest  force  in  his 
life?  Is  there  any  trace,  in  his  later  years,  of  the 
selfish  ambition  which  earlier  dominated  him  ?  What 
are  his  chief  interests  in  the  later  part  of  his  life? 
Did  he  become  the  strong  and  noble  character  that 
he  might  have  been  had  he  from  the  first  been  guided 
by  a  worthy  ambition?  Were  the  misfortunes  that 
came  to  him  in  old  age  due  largely  to  his  own  faults 
reappearing  in  the  characters  of  his  sons?  Are  a 
man's  motives  or  his  acts  the  determinants  of  his 
character?  Describe  and  illustrate  the  danger  of  a 
low  ambition.     Compare  ambition  and  inertia.     What 


Patriarchal  History  1 49 

is  the  value  of  ambition  ?  How  far  was  Jacob's  ambi- 
tion inspired  by  his  mother?  Give  instances  from 
history  where  the  mother  has  been  the  source  of  noble 
ambition.  What  part  does  a  teacher  play  in  the  in- 
spiration of  noble  ambition?  Illustrate.  What  role 
may  the  true  pastor  play?  Illustrate.  Of  what 
value  is  biographical  reading?  Mention  some  that 
you  consider  helpful.  Illustrate  all  this  by  the  life 
of  our  Lord. 

II 

Does  a  man  without  ambition  develop  or  achieve 
anything  really  great  ?  What  percentage  of  the  people 
you  know  really  think  out  and  plan  their  life  ?  What 
proportion  drift  or  are  led?  Is  mental  and  moral 
inertia  the  chief  support  of  the  corrupt  political  boss  ? 
What  proportion  of  voters  of  whom  you  know  actually 
study  and  appreciate  the  issues  in  each  election? 
What  proportion  of  the  members  of  your  church  are 
really  intelligent  worshippers?  What  are  the  chief 
ambitions  that  stir  men  to  action?  Mention  some 
great  characters  and  say  what  their  ambitions  were. 
Was  there  a  common  element  running  through  their 
ambitions?  Are  ambitions  to  service  limited  to 
geniuses  ?     Illustrate. 

Ill 

Make  a  serious  study  of  the  psychological  connec- 
tion between  Ambition,  Habits,  Character,  and  Public 
Life. 


1 50  The  Book  of  Genesis 

179 

CHIEFS  OF  EDOM 

I 
Read:     Gen.    36 :  1-30 ;  Ryle,  36 :  1-30. 

Divide  these  verses  into  sections.  Compare  the 
list  of  Esau's  wives  in  this  chapter  with  that  in  26  :  34 
and  28  :  9.  How  do  yon  explain  the  difference  ?  Why 
did  Esau  move  from  Canaan  to  Seir?  Write  a  note 
on  verse  fifteen.    Comment  on  verse  twenty-four. 

II 

Write  notes  on  the  following  names :  Eliphaz,  Reuel, 
Korah,  Seir,  Teman,  Kenaz. 

Ill 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Horites".  Explain  fully 
who  they  were. 

180-181 
KINGS  OF  EDOM 

I 

Read:       Gen.  36:31-43;  Ryle  36:31-43;  Book  of 
Obadiah ;  The  Dictionary,  "Obadiah,  Book  of". 

Name  the  kings  of  Edom.    Read  again  the  Diction- 


Patriarchal  History  1 5 1 

ary,"Edom",  and  put  in  the  form  of  a  short  history 
all  you  know  about  Edom.  What  bearing  has  verse 
thirty-one  upon  the  history  of  Israel  and  its  chro- 
nology? 

II 

Write  full  notes  on  the  following  names:   Bela, 
Beor,  Bozrah,  Hadad,  Hadar. 

Ill 

Read  Obadiah  and  Nahum  again  and  compare  their 
spirit  and  religious  teaching. 


182 

REVIEW 

Review  Studies  174-181,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 


THE  STORY  OF  JOSEPH 


183 

JOSEPH 


Head:     Gen.  37: 1-4;  Eyle  37:  1-4;  The  Dictionary, 
"Joseph". 

This  section  of  the  Book  of  Genesis  contains  a 
story  unsurpassed  in  any  literature  for  vividness, 
pathos,  delineation  of  character,  and  dramatic  force. 
The  story  aims  at  showing  how  God's  ruling  provi- 
dence guided  Joseph  from  first  to  last.  Comment  on 
verses  two  and  three. 

II 

Make  a  detailed  outline  of  the  life  of  Joseph. 

Ill 

Collect  all  Old  Testament  material  about  Joseph 
outside  the  Book  of  Genesis. 


155 


1  56  The  Book  of  Genesis 

184 
JOSEPH'S  DREAMS 

I 

Read :     Gen.  37 :  5-11 ;  Ryle,  37 :  5-11. 

Make  an  outline  of  Joseph's  dreams.  How  were 
they  interpreted  by  his  brothers?  Were  his  brethren 
justified  in  their  hatred  of  him  ?  Comment  on  verses 
ten  and  eleven. 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Envy".  Discuss  this  vice 
and  illustrate  it  from  the  Old  Testament. 

Ill 

Discuss  the  place  of  dreams  in  Oriental  religious 
thought,  and  in  universal  experience. 

185-186 

JOSEPH  IS  SOLD 

I 
Read :     Gen.  37 :  12-35 ;  Ryle,  37 :  12-35. 

Joseph  must  have  proved  himself  very  trying  to  his 
brothers.    He  was  youthful,  boastful,  thoughtless,  and 


The  Story  of  Joseph  1 5  7 

egotistical.  His  experience  undoubtedly  did  him 
good,  and  developed  that  nobleness  and  greatness 
of  character  which  we  associate  with  him.  What 
were  the  causes  or  occasions  of  the  hatred  of  his 
brothers?  What  mistake  did  Joseph  make?  What 
was  the  importance  of  his  dreams  of  greatness? 
Illustrate.  What  is  the  difference  between  dreams  of 
true  greatness  and  building  aircastles?  Illustrate. 
What  is  the  nature  of  ungratified  envy  and  hate? 
Cite  passages  from  Gray's  "Elegy"  to  illustrate. 
What  was  the  culmination  of  the  hatred  of  Joseph's 
brethren?  What  is  the  New  Testament  parallel? 
What  was  Eeuben's  attitude?  How  did  Judah's 
differ  ?  Who  took  Joseph  out  of  the  pit  and  sold  him  ? 
Compare  the  dejection  of  Jacob  with  that  of  Elijah, 
and  show  wherein  both  were  mistaken. 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Dothan".  Describe  the 
region  of  Shechem.  Comment  upon  verse  twenty-two. 
Describe  the  trade  route  from  Gilead  to  Egypt.  Com- 
ment on  verse  thirty-five.  Note  the  composite  char- 
acter of  the  stories  in  verses  eighteen  to  thirty-six. 
Discuss  the  phenomena  and  arrange  the  material. 
Explain  the  confusion  of  names  of  the  Midianites 
and  the  Ishmaelites. 

Ill 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Mourning  Customs". 
Write  a  paper  on  the  psychological  aspect  of  mourn- 
ing customs. 


1 58  The  Book  °f  Genesis 

187 
JOSEPH  IN  EGYPT 

I 

Read:     Gen.  37:36;  Kyle,  37:36;  The  Dictionary, 
"Potiphar",  "Pharaoh". 

Write  a  commentary  on  this  verse. 

II 

Read:  Kyle,  "The  Tell-el-Amarna  Letters",  pp. 
458-460 ;  "The  Habiri",  pp.  460-462 ;  "The  Apuriu", 
pp.462-463 ;  "The  Hyksos",  pp.  467-468. 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  Habiri  and  the  Hyksos. 

188 
JUDAH  AND  TAMAR 

I 
Read :     Gen.  38 ;  Ryle,  38 ;  The  Dictionary,  "Tamar". 

Write  a  paper  on  the  tribal  meaning  of  this  chapter. 
What  was  Jacob's  beginning  in  the  downward  course 
of  sin? 


The  Story;  of  Joseph  1 59 

II 

Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Marriage,  §  4".  Discuss 
the  "levirate"  law. 

Ill 

In  view  of  the  possible  tribal  interpretations  of  this 
chapter,  illustrate  it  by  reference  to  the  terms  used 
by  Hosea  and  Isaiah  in  describing  Israel's  unfaith- 
fulness to  Jehovah. 


189 

REVIEW 

Review  Studies  183-188,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 


190 


JOSEPH'S  PROSPERITY,  TEMPTATION, 
AND  IMPRISONMENT 


Read:     Gen.  39;  Ryle,  39. 

Here  the  story  of  Joseph  is  resumed  from  37:  35. 
By  whom  was  Joseph  first  purchased  ?    To  what  office 


1  60  The  Book  of  Genesis 

of  trust  did  he  rise?    What  is  the  motif  of  this  story? 
Comment  on  verse  twenty. 

II 

When  Joseph  was  committed  to  prison  how  did  he 
fare  ?  Explain  the  use  of  Elohim  as  the  name  of  God 
in  verse  nine. 

Ill 

Eead :  The  Dictionary,  "Egypt,  §2,  Egypt  in  the 
Bible".    Write  a  short  paper  on  this  subject. 


191-193 
JOSEPH  AS  INTERPRETER  OF  DREAMS 


Read:     Gen.  40;  Ryle,  40;  Book  of  Daniel  1-4;  The 
Dictionary,  "Daniel,  Book  of",  "Cup-bearer". 

Give  in  your  own  words  the  dreams  of  the  butler  and 
the  baker  and  Joseph's  interpretation.  What  was  the 
Egyptian  estimate  of  dream-interpretations?  What 
was  Joseph's  ?  Comment  on  the  phrase,  "lift  up  thine 
head".  Comment  on  the  phrase,  "the  land  of  the 
Hebrews".  Write  a  note  on  verses  nineteen  and 
twenty.  State  in  your  own  words  the  dreams  which 
Daniel  interpreted.    What  was  their  teaching? 


The  Story  of  Joseph  161 

II 

Write  a  paper  on  the  characters  of  Joseph  and 
Daniel  as  dream-interpreters.  Compare  and  contrast 
their  characters. 

Ill 

Read  verse  thirty-three  of  this  chapter  and  St.  Luke 
17:11-19.     Write  a  paper  on  gratitude. 

194-196 
THE  PHARAOH'S  DREAM 


Read :     Gen.  41 :  1-36 ;  Ryle,  41 : 1-36 ;  The  Diction- 
ary, "Magic,  Divination,  and  Sorcery". 

Put  in  your  own  words  the  two  dreams  of  the 
pharaoh.  What  is  Joseph's  interpretation  ?  Why  are 
there  two  dreams?  What  policy  did  Joseph  suggest 
to  the  pharaoh?  Define  and  give  examples  of  Magic, 
Divination,  and  Sorcery. 

II 

Write  a  paper  on  Joseph's  idea  of  God,  based  upon 
this  and  previous  parts  of  the  E  Source. 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  Magic  and  Religion. 


I  62  The  Book  of  Genesis 

197 

REVIEW 

Review  Studies  190-196,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 

198-199 
JOSEPH  AS  GRAND  VIZIER 

I 

Read:     Gen.  41:37-46;  Ryle,  41:37-46;  The  Dic- 
tionary, "Egypt,  §  3,  Religion". 

Such  sudden  appointment  to  almost  unlimited 
authority  is  possible  only  in  an  autocratically  gov- 
erned state.  It  is  impossible  to  say  with  certainty 
under  which  of  the  pharaohs  of  Egypt  Joseph  became 
Grand  Vizier.  The  most  likely  period  was  the  later 
part  of  the  Eighteenth  Dynasty,  or  the  Tell-el- 
Amarna  period.  How  did  the  pharaoh  signalize 
Joseph's  appointment  as  Grand  Vizier  ?  Comment  on 
verse  forty-three.  What  was  the  Egyptian  idea  of 
god? 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Asenath",  "Potiphera", 
"On".  "Write  a  paper  on  verse  forty-six,  and  the 
chronology  of  Genesis. 


The  Story  of  Joseph  1 63 

III 

Write  a  paper  on  Egyptian  religious  ideas. 

200 

YEARS  OF  PLENTY  AND  YEARS  OF 
FAMINE 


Eead :     Gen.  41 :  47-49,  53-57 ;  Kyle,  41 :  47-49,  53-57. 

Would  modern  students  of  economics  approve  of  the 
way  in  which  Joseph  aggrandized  his  royal  master? 
What  was  the  Hebrew  writer's  point  of  view  ?  Do  not 
the  ethics  of  such  a  precedure  vary  with  the  era  and 
circumstances  ? 

II 

Put  in  your  own  words  the  story  of  the  way  in 
which  Joseph  provided  for  the  needs  of  the  people 
and  increased  the  power  of  the  king.  What  was  the 
condition  of  Egypt  as  a  result  of  Joseph's  foresight? 

Ill 

Read :  Ryle,  "Illustrations  of  Narratives  in  Gene- 
sis from  Egyptian  Antiquities",  "The  Egyptian 
Grand  Vizier",  pp.  468-471. 


1 64  The  Book  of  Genesis 

201 
JOSEPH'S  SONS 

I 

Read:     Gen.  41:51-52;  Kyle,  41:51-52;  The  Dic- 
tionary, "Manasseh",  "Ephraim". 

II 

Write  a  biography  of  Manasseh  and  Ephraim. 

Ill 

Discuss  Manasseh  and  Ephraim  as  tribes  and  draw 
a  map  of  Palestine,  locating  them. 

202 
JOSEPH'S  BRETHREN  IN  EGYPT 


Bead :     Gen.  42 : 1-26 ;  Kyle,  42 : 1-26. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  and  dramatic 
stories  in  the  Bible.  There  is  a  famine  in  the  land 
of  Canaan,  and  Jacob  sends  his  sons  to  Egypt  to  buy 
corn.  He  does  not  permit  Benjamin  to  go,  lest 
"mischief  befall  him".  Now  Joseph  is  governor 
in  Egypt.    And  when  his  brethren  come,  and  appeal 


The  Story  of  Joseph  1 65 

to  him  for  permission  to  buy  corn,  Joseph  recognizes 
them,  but  they  do  not  know  him.  He  accordingly 
accuses  them  of  espionage,  but  they  protest  their 
innocence.  How  is  the  question  to  be  settled?  Com- 
ment on  verses  seven,  fifteen,  and  eighteen. 

II 

Study  the  workings  of  the  consciences  of  the  breth- 
ren of  Joseph.  What  direction  do  you  find  here  for 
a  study  of  conviction?  What  was  the  second  step  of 
Joseph  in  convicting  them  of  sin? 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  verse  twenty-three. 


203 
THE  RETURN  TO  CANAAN 


Read:   Gen.  42:  27-38;  Ryle,  42:  27-38. 

Compare  the  report  that  Joseph's  brethren  made  to 
their  father  with  their  conversation  with  Joseph. 
Comment  on  verse  twenty-eight.  Who  is  the  leader 
in  this  narrative  ? 

II 

What  was  Jacob's  reply  to  the  report  of  his  sons? 
What  lessons  may  one  learn  from  it?     Illustrate. 


1 66  The  Bool?  of  Genesis 

What  was  Reuben's  proposition?    What  was  Jacob's 
reply?    Who  finally  prevailed  with  Jacob,  and  how? 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  moral  of  this  first  part  of  the 
story. 


204 


REVIEW 

Review  Studies  198-203,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 


205 
THE  SECOND  VISIT  TO  EGYPT 


Read :     Gen.  43 ;  Ryle,  43. 

Read  verses  four  and  eight.  What  was  the  motive 
for  going  to  Egypt  a  second  time  ?  What  do  you  think 
of  the  courage  and  loyalty  of  these  men?  Comment 
on  verses  sixteen,  twenty-three,  twenty-nine,  thirty, 
and  thirty-two. 

II 

What  evidence  is  there  of  the  workings  of  con- 
viction on  the  return  of  the  brothers  to  Egypt  ?    How 


The  Story  of  Joseph  1 67 

does  the  verse  from  Hamlet,  "The  lady  protests  too 
much,  I  think",  illustrate  this  point?  Describe  the 
meeting  of  Joseph  and  his  brother  Benjamin.  Why 
did  Joseph  not  eat  with  them? 


Ill 

Read:    The    Dictionary,    "Gift".      Discuss    verse 
eleven. 


206 
THE  DIVINING  CUP 


Read :     Gen.  44 :  1-17 ;  Ryle,  44 : 1-17. 

Describe  the  art  of  the  story  as  illustrated  in  verse 
four.  What  penalty  do  the  brothers  propose  for  the 
culprit?  How  does  Joseph  mitigate  it?  Comment 
on  verse  twelve.  Who  is  conscience-stricken,  and 
why  ? 

II 

Describe  the  way  in  which  Joseph  tests  the  loyalty 
of  the  brethren  to  Benjamin.  What  evidence  of 
conviction  is  found  here?  What  is  the  advantage 
of  this  principle   to  criminal  lawyers?     Illustrate. 


1 68  The  Book  of  Genesis 

III 

Write  a  paper  on  the  method  of  learning  God's  will 
in  the  Book  of  Genesis. 


207 

JUDAH'S  INTERCESSION 

I 

Read:     Gen.  44:  18-34;  Kyle,  44:  18-34. 

Make  a  full  outline  of  Judah's  speech,  and  indicate 
new  elements  in  it.  Describe  the  quality  of  the  speech. 
Comment  on  verse  twenty.  What  offer  does  Judah 
make  ? 

II 

What  is  your  estimate  of  Judah's  speech  ?  Compare 
this  speech  with  that  of  Jeanie  Dean  in  Scott's  Heart 
of  Midlothian.  In  what  does  the  power  of  Judah's 
speech  consist? 

Ill 

Mention  and  describe  at  least  four  passages  of  great 
pathos  in  the  Old  Testament. 


The  Story  of  Joseph  1 69 

208-210 
JOSEPH  REVEALS  HIMSELF 


Read:     Gen.  45: 1-28;  Ryle  45: 1-28;  The  Diction- 
ary, "Providence". 

What  invitation  did  Joseph  send  back  to  Canaan? 
How  was  it  confirmed  by  the  pharaoh?  Comment 
on  verse  twenty-four.  How,  do  you  think,  did  his 
sons  explain  to  Jacob  Joseph's  return  to  life?  Who 
sent  Joseph  into  Egypt,  and  what  part  of  the  divine 
government  is  most  strikingly  illustrated  in  the  his- 
tory of  Joseph?  Illustrate.  What  is  divine  provi- 
dence?   Discuss  fully  and  illustrate. 

II 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Predestination".  Write 
a  paper  on  Predestination  and  Free  Will  in  the  Old 
Testament. 

Ill 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Goshen".  Draw  a  map 
of  Egypt,  and,  having  read  the  first  chapters  of 
Exodus,  insert  all  names  which  concern  the  history  of 
Hebrews  in  Egypt. 


1  70  The  Book  of  Genesis 

211-212 
JACOB'S  DESCENT  INTO  EGYPT 


Read :     Gen.  46 ;  Eyle,  46. 

The  list  of  this  chapter  with  its  total  of  seventy 
people  seems  very  small.  But  it  evidently  takes 
account  of  heads  of  families  only  and  overlooks  the 
women  and  dependents.  With  what  buoyant  hopes 
did  Jacob  and  his  family  start  for  Egypt?  Whence 
did  they  start  ?  What  did  Jacob  do  prior  to  his  leav- 
ing his  home?  Describe  his  vision.  Who  was  to 
accompany  Jacob  and  his  family?  Comment  on  the 
phrase,  "every  shepherd  is  an  abomination  unto  the 
Egyptians".  Show  the  interplay  of  human  passion, 
the  natural  causes,  and  name  the  actors  who  played 
any  part  in  this  story.  How  do  you  explain  the 
two  totals  of  sixty-six  and  seventy  in  this  chapter? 
How  do  you  explain  the  numbers  in  46 :  26-27,  15,  18, 
22,  25,  and  Acts  7:14? 

II 

What  are  the  scriptural  expressions  of  Jacob's 
sorrow?  How  did  the  news  that  Joseph  was  alive 
affect  Jacob?  How  was  he  assured  in  this  matter? 
Describe  the  meeting  of  Joseph  and  Jacob.  Illustrate 
it  from  the  Gospels.  What  part  of  the  country  did 
Joseph  secure  for  his  brothers,  and  what  were  its 


The  Story  of  Joseph  1  7 1 

advantages?     Account  for  the  favour  shown  Jacob 
in  Egypt. 

Ill 

Classify  the  names  of  "the  children  of  Israel". 
Write  a  short  note  on  each  name. 


213-214 

JACOB  AND  JOSEPH  IN  EGYPT 

I 

Read :     Gen.  47 ;  Eyle  47. 

Note  how  verses  five  and  six  interrupt  the  sequence 
of  the  narrative.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  phrase, 
"Jacob  blessed  Pharaoh"?  Comment  on  verses 
seventeen,  twenty-two,  twenty-four,  and  twenty-six. 
Discuss  verse  thirty-one.  How  were  the  Hebrews 
received  by  the  pharaoh?  What  evidence  of  the 
sincerity  of  his  words  is  to  be  found?  What  New 
Testament  evidences  are  there  that  Jacob  correctly 
represented  his  life  as  a  pilgrimage?  In  what 
famous  allegory  is  this  idea  immortalized?  Compare 
the  beginning  and  end  of  Jacob's  life  with  those  of 
Solomon's  life. 

II 

How  old  was  Jacob  when  he  stood  before  the 
pharaoh?     How  does  his  age  compare  with  that  of 


I  72  The  Book  of  Genesis 

other  patriarchs  ?  What  is  the  evidence  that  his  days 
were  full  of  evil  ?  Give  a  detailed  account  of  Jacob's 
troubles.  What  characteristics  of  old  age  were  ex- 
emplified in  Jacob?  What  was  the  dying  request? 
Read :  The  Dictionary,  "Rameses",  and  write  a  note 
on  it. 

Ill 

What  ancient  Jews  became  powerful  in  the  affairs 
of  foreign  governments?  Give  modern  illustrations. 
Describe  Joseph's  administration.  What  are  agrarian 
laws?  Illustrate.  How  does  Joseph's  administration 
in  Egypt  compare  with  other  similar  administrations  ? 

215 

REVIEW 

Review  studies  205-214,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 

216-219 

JACOB    BLESSES    EPHRAIM    AND 
MANASSEH 

I 

Read:     Gen.   48;   Ryle,   48;   The  Dictionary,   "Re- 
deemer,  "Redemption",   "Atonement",   "Propitia- 
tion", "Reconciliation",  "Salvation". 
Describe   in   detail   the   manner  in   which   Jacob 


The  Story  of  Joseph  1  73 

thwarted  the  purpose  of  Joseph  to  give  Manasseh  the 
greater  blessing.  What  did  Jacob  mean  by  saying  that 
the  two  sons  of  Joseph  should  be  called  by  his  name  ? 
What  is  meant  by  Jacob  in  the  expression,  "I  have 
given  to  thee  one  portion  above  thy  brethren"?  Ex- 
plain in  this  connection  Hebrews  11 :  21.  Write  a 
note  on  the  idea  of  Redemption  in  the  Old  Testament. 

II 

Write  a  commentary  on  verse  seven.  Interpret 
verses  eight  and  twelve.  What  was  considered  to  be 
the  nature  and  power  of  Jacob's  blessing?  Analyze 
Jacob's  invocation.  Write  a  commentary  on  verse 
twenty-two.  Write  a  paper  on  the  idea  of  Salvation 
in  the  Old  Testament. 

Ill 

Write  a  thesis  on  the  idea  of  Atonement  in  the 
Old  Testament. 


220-222 

THE  BLESSING  OF  JACOB 

I 

Read :     Gen.  49  :  1-27 ;  Ryle,  49  : 1-27. 

There  is  reason  to  suppose  that  the  ancient  tradition 
regarding  the  patriarch's  blessing  was  put  into  its 


1  74  The  Book  of  Genesis 

present  poetical  form  as  early,  at  any  rate,  as  the 
time  of  David.  In  the  poem  we  have  a  striking  series 
of  characterizations  of  the  different  tribes.  They  had 
varied  fortunes.  Some  prospered,  some  had  serious 
reverses,  some  became  preeminent,  and  some  barely 
existed.  What  was  the  element  of  weakness  in  Reu- 
ben's character  ?  How  is  it  illustrated  in  II  St.  Peter 
2:  17  and  St.  Jude  12-13?  How  does  the  Blessing 
of  Moses  brighten  the  fate  of  Reuben's  posterity? 
Why  did  Jacob  take  Simeon  and  Levi  together? 
What  was  the  penalty  for  their  sins  and  when  was  it 
fulfilled?  How  does  Moses  brighten  the  prospects 
of  Levi?  How  were  the  several  elements  of  the 
birthright  forfeited  by  Reuben  distributed  among  his 
brethren  ?  How  did  Levi's  descendants  regain  a  great 
distinction?  Where  did  Jacob's  Blessing  locate 
Zebulun?  To  what  is  Issachar  likened?  What  does 
the  Blessing  of  Moses  say  about  Zebulun  and 
Issachar  ?  How  does  Jacob  characterize  Dan  ?  What 
is  the  meaning?  How  was  this  justified  in  later  his- 
tory ?  What  use  was  made  of  "Dan"  by,  and  in  con- 
nection with,  the  Mormons  ?  What  does  the  Blessing 
of  Moses  say  about  Gad?  What  special  gift  should 
characterize  the  sons  of  Naphtali?  On  which  son 
came  the  richest  blessing?  Write  a  note  on  the  spirit 
of  Jacob. 

II 

Put  in  your  own  words  Jacob's  characterization  of 
each  tribe,  commenting  fully  upon  their  virtues  and 
vices.  Write  a  full  commentary  on  verse  ten.  In 
what  sense  is  the  verse  Messianic  ? 


The  Story  of  Joseph  1  75 

III 

Make  a  full  detailed  comparison  and  contrast  be- 
tween Gen.  49  and  Deut.  33.  Put  your  work  in 
tabular  form  with  comments  as  footnotes. 


223 

THE  DEATH  OF  JACOB 

I 

Read :     Gen.  49  :  28-33 ;  Kyle,  49  :  28-33. 

Read  the  Blessing  of  Jacob  again  and  the  Blessing 
of  Moses  in  Deut.  33  and  say  in  what  sense  these 
twelve  names  are  men  and  in  what  sense  they  are 
tribes. 

II 

Write  a  paper  on  the  turning  points  in  the  life  of 
Jacob. 

Ill 

Describe  the  life  of  Jacob  as  an  old  man,  emphasiz- 
ing his  religious  traits. 

224 

REVIEW 

Review  Studies  216-223,  and  be  prepared  for  an 
examination  on  them. 


1  76  The  Book  of  Genesis 

225 

DEATH  OF  JOSEPH 


Read:    Gen.  50;  Ryle,  50. 

In  this  last  chapter  of  the  Book  of  Genesis  the 
mourning  for  Jacob  and  his  burial  in  the  land  of 
Canaan  is  described.  This  is  followed  by  an  inter- 
view between  Joseph  and  his  brothers  in  which  their 
fear,  that  Joseph  may  avenge  their  wrong  to  him 
now  that  Jacob  is  dead,  is  allayed.  Finally,  the  death 
of  Joseph  is  recorded.  Describe  the  funeral  of  Jacob. 
Read:     The  Dictionary,   "Machir". 

II 

Describe  in  full  the  last  days  of  Joseph.  What 
prophecy  did  Joseph  make  at  his  death?  What 
promise  did  Joseph  demand  before  his  death  ? 

Ill 

Write  a  paper  on  the  state  of  the  brethren's  mind 
as  revealed  by  verses  fifteen  to  twenty-one. 

226 

IMPERFECTIONS  OF  JOSEPH'S  BOYHOOD 

I 

What  are  the  handicaps  of  extreme  poverty  and 
those  of  excessive  wealth?     Which  are  probably  the 


The  Story  of  Joseph  1  77 

greater?  Where  would  you  place  Joseph?  What 
reveals  Joseph's  own  estimate  of  himself?  How  did 
Jacob  favor  Joseph?  What  probably  suggested  this 
estimate?  What  was  necessary  to  transform  these 
ambitions  ? 


II 

Was  Joseph  to  blame  for  his  brothers'  hatred 
toward  him?  Were  they  justified  in  what  they  did? 
What  result  had  this  on  Joseph's  temperament? 
How  may  one  meet  misfortune  ? 

Ill 

Is  the  chief  difference  between  successful  and 
unsuccessful  men  the  ability  to  see  and  seize  oppor- 
tunities?    Illustrate  fully. 


227 
JOSEPH'S  OPPORTUNITY 

I 

Egypt  was  the  ancient  land  of  opportunity,  and 
Joseph  made  the  most  of  his  circumstances.  Was  the 
prosperity  which  attended  Joseph  in  Egypt  a  mi- 
raculous gift  or  the  natural  consequences  of  his 
courageous,  helpful  spirit  and  his  skill  in  making  the 
best  of  every  situation?     Does  man  usually  seek  the 


1  78  The  Book  of  Genesis 

place  or  does  the  place  seek  the  man?  Was  it 
Joseph's  skill  in  interpreting  the  dreams  or  his  wise 
counsel  in  suggesting  methods  of  providing  for  the 
people  during  famine  that  gave  him  his  position  of 
high  trust  and  authority?  The  policy  which  made 
the  pharaoh  practical  owner  of  all  the  land  was  not 
first  instituted  by  Joseph  but  was  already  in  force  in 
Egypt.  In  the  thought  of  the  prophetic  narrative,  was 
Joseph's  fiscal  system  regarded  as  evidence  of  his 
loyalty  to  his  master  rather  than  disloyalty  to  the 
interests  of  the  people?  Was  the  system  suited  to 
that  stage  and  kind  of  civilization?  Is  this  a  valid 
argument  in  favor  of  public  ownership  of  all  land? 
Give  reasons  for  or  against. 

II 

What  effect  has  the  bearing  of  another's  burdens  on 
the  successful  forgetting  of  our  own  burdens?  Illus- 
trate. What  relation  has  the  observance  of  small 
things  to  the  accomplishment  of  great  things? 
Illustrate. 

Ill 

Would  Joseph's  policy  in  dealing  with  the  people  of 
Egypt  meet  with  public  approval  to-day?  Could 
Joseph  have  succeeded  as  well  in  a  republic?  Does 
Joseph's  land  policy  justify  the  single  tax?  Illus- 
trate. 


The  Story  of  Joseph  1  79 

228 
THE  ESSENTIALS  OF  SUCCESS 

I 

The  qualities  essential  to  success  are  willingness  to 
serve,  readiness  to  be  directed,  and  knowledge  and 
trained  ability.  What  other  qualities  would  you  say 
are  essential  to  the  highest  success?  Are  the  right 
moral  standards  essential?  How  do  a  man's  habits 
affect  his  efficiency  ?     Illustrate. 

II 

What  is  the  relation  between  genius  and  success? 
Is  genius  "the  capacity  for  unlimited  work"?  How 
would  you  define  and  illustrate  genius  ? 

Ill 
Would  you  say  that  the  ultimate  standard  of  all 
real  success  is  service?  To  what  extent  does  one's 
faith  in  God  and  in  his  fellow  men  determine  his 
ability  to  win  success  ?  How  far  are  they  essential  to 
the  winning  of  the  highest  type  of  success  ? 

229 
STANDARDS  OF  SUCCESS 


The  standard  of  success  in  America  to-day  is  the 
multi-millionaire.     The  standard  of  success  in  ancient 


1 80  The  Book  of  Genesis 

Greece  was  exemplified  in  Leonidas  and  his  valiant 
followers  at  Thermopylae.  Was  it  the  character  of 
Jacob  or  of  Joseph  that  was  the  standard  of  success 
in  ancient  Israel?  What  characters  in  all  history 
seem  to  you  the  best  examples  of  real  success  ?  Illus- 
trate fully  and  compare  each  one  with  the  characters 
of  Jacob  and  Joseph. 


II 

How  can  the  majority  of  people  of  to-day  be  led  to 
accept  the  higher  ideals  of  success?  Compare  and 
contrast  the  achievements  of  Joseph,  Lincoln,  and 
Cecil  Khodes. 

Ill 

Discuss  fully  some  contemporary  parallels  to 
Joseph. 


230 

METHODS  OF  SUCCESS 


The  ideal  method  of  success  is  to  be  truthful  to 
oneself  as  well  as  to  one's  fellow  man.  The  forfeiture 
of  truth  results  in  great  remorse  even  where  wealth 
has  been  attained.  Can  a  man  succeed  in  business 
life,  in  professional  life,  and  in  political  life,  and 


The  Story  of  Joseph  181 

remain  true  to  the  principles  of  Christ?     Illustrate 
fully.     What  is  real  success  ? 

II 

If  the  ultimate  ideal  in  real  success  is  service,  is 
there  any  other  way  in  which  men  may  obtain 
success  than  by  remaining  true  to  Christ's  principles  ? 
Is  it  true  of  every  department  of  effort?  Does  this 
principle  make  it  possible  for  every  man,  of  whatever 
ability  or  opportunity,  to  attain  real  success? 

Ill 

Can  a  man  who  earns  his  own  living  succeed  to-day 
in  politics  and  at  the  same  time  maintain  his  self- 
respect  as  an  independent  thinker  ? 


231 
THE  TEMPTATIONS  OF  SUCCESS 


Some  men  are  spoiled  by  success.  They  are  at  first 
excused,  by  their  admirers,  from  the  ordinary  moral 
obligations,  and  then  disgrace  follows.  Was  Joseph 
spoiled  by  his  great  and  sudden  success  ?  Where  did 
the  test  come?  Why  did  Joseph  hide  his  cup  in 
Benjamin's  sack?  Did  the  brothers  stand  the  test? 
What  place  does  loyalty  to  humbler  friends  and  kins- 


1 82  The  Book  of  Genesis 

men  take  in  the  making  of  great  and  noble  characters  ? 
Illustrate. 

II 

Why  is  loyalty  to  friends  and  kinsmen  a  primary 
obligation?  What  character  does  it  show?  Give 
illustrations.  What  is  a  snob?  Illustrate  and 
analyze  the  characteristics. 

Ill 

How  would  you  estimate  Joseph's  character  in  the 
light  of  to-day  ?  Of  the  characters,  Abraham,  Jacob, 
and  Joseph,  which  do  you  prefer,  which  is  the 
strongest,  which  is  the  most  religious? 


232 

JOSEPH  THE  SUCCESSFUL 

Answer  and  discuss  all  the  following  questions  and  points 
very  fully. 

I 

What  caused  the  Hebrews  to  migrate  to  Egypt? 
To  what  extent  do  economic  conditions  govern  our 
lives  ?  Why  did  the  brethren  of  Joseph  dislike  him  ? 
Are  such  motives  prevalent  to-day?  Consider 
whether  business  ability  and  integrity  of  character 
are  certain  to  win  wealth  and  honor?  Write  a  short 
life  of  Joseph. 


The  Story  of  Joseph  1 83 

II 

What  was  the  governing  religious  principle  of 
Joseph's  life  ?  Consider  whether  Joseph's  philosophy 
of  evil  is  satisfactory  for  our  modern  needs.  If  God 
is  the  absolute  ruler  of  the  world,  how  may  we  explain 
the  presence  of  evil  ?     Illustrate. 

Ill 

Why  are  those  men  and  women  who  believe  in  the 
progress  of  God's  Kingdom  likely  to  become  the  best 
citizens?  What  is  a  social  dreamer?  What  social 
reforms  in  your  community  are  awaiting  action  ? 


REVIEW  STUDIES 


233 

REVELATION  AND  INSPIRATION 

I,  II,  and  III 

Write  a  paper  (I),  thesis  (II),  or  essay  (III)  on 
Eevelation  and  Inspiration  in  reference  to  the  Hebrew 
people  and  the  Old  Testament. 


234 


TEXT,  CANON,  AND  LITERATURE  OF  THE 
OLD  TESTAMENT 


Describe  the  origin  and  development  of  Old  Testa- 
ment literature. 

II 

Discuss  the  growth  of  the  idea  of  a  canon  and  the 
way  in  which  the  Old  Testament  canon  grew. 
187 


1 88  The  Book  °f  Genesis 


III 


Describe  with  some  detail  the  nature  of  the  text  of 
the  Old  Testament. 


235 

ARCHAEOLOGY,  CRITICISM,  AND 
SCIENCE 


What  is  the  use  and  abuse  of  archaeology  in  the 
study  of  the  Old  Testament?     Illustrate  fully. 

II 

Describe   the  work   and  process   of   Pentateuchal 
criticism. 

Ill 

What  is  the  relationship  between  modern  science 
and  the  Old  Testament?     Illustrate. 


236 

THE  BOOK  OF  GENESIS 

I 

Put  in  your  own  words  the  contents  of  the  Book  of 
Genesis. 


Review  Studies  1 89 

II 

What  are  some  of  the  great  religious  lessons  taught 
in  the  Book  of  Genesis  ? 

Ill 

Compare  some  of  the  social  problems  in  the  Book 
of  Genesis  with  similar  problems  of  to-day. 


237 

GOD  AND  HIS  KINGDOM 

I 

Read:  The  Dictionary,  "Kingdom  of  God". 

What  do  we  understand  by  the  term  "Kingdom  of 
God"?  What  conceptions  of  man's  moral  and  in- 
tellectual nature  make  possible  the  existence  and  the 
development  of  this  Kingdom  ? 

II 

Why  may  we  limit  a  study  of  the  Kingdom  of  God 
in  pre-Christian  times  to  Hebrew  history  ?  How  has 
the  Kingdom  of  God  developed?  What  was  the 
development  of  Israel's  conception  of  her  Messiah  ? 

Ill 

How  can  Israel's  consciousness  of  her  peculiar 
relation  to  Jehovah  be  explained?     How  is  the  per- 


1 90  The  Book  of  Genesis 

sistence  of  this  belief  through  every  national  calamity 
to  be  explained?  To  what  extent  does  the  idea  of 
covenant  relationship  govern  religious  life  ?  What  do 
you  consider  essential  to  the  development  of  the 
Kingdom  of  God? 


238 
MAN  AS  GOD'S  IMAGE 


Would  religion  be  possible  apart  from  man's  con- 
sciousness of  freedom  of  action?  Why  did  the 
Hebrew  think  himself  fitted  for  fellowship  with  God  ? 
What  is  meant  by  personality?  What  distinctions 
are  to  be  made  between  the  personal  life  of  man  and 
the  personal  life  of  God?  What  likenesses  of  tem- 
perament, occupation,  intellectual  life,  and  moral 
nature  are  needed  to  make  close  fellowship  between 
human  beings?     Illustrate. 

II 

What  similarities  of  disposition  and  will  in  God  and 
man  are  necessary  to  make  true  religion  possible? 
Illustrate.  If  God  enters  into  fellowship  with  every 
human  being,  what  practical  consequence  follows  in 
man's  relationship  with  his  fellow  men? 


Revierv  Studies  1 9 1 

III 

Is  it  justifiable  for  the  white  race  to  refuse  to 
brother  the  other  races?  In  what  sense  do  we  bear 
the  image  and  likeness  of  God  ?    Illustrate. 

239 

MAN'S  SIN  AND  HIS  NEED 


Where  do  people  usually  locate  the  golden  age,  in 
the  past  or  in  the  future  ?  Illustrate.  Are  physical 
ills  said  to  be  the  penalty  of  man's  disobedience  of 
God  ?  How  far  is  this  true  ?  What  elements  of  per- 
manent value  are  there  in  the  account  of  the  origin  of 
pain  and  death?  What  does  it  teach  concerning  the 
origin  of  sin?  What  is  the  opinion  of  the  narrator 
concerning  the  relation  of  knowledge  to  sin  ? 

II 

What  is  the  idea  of  God  in  the  account  of  the  Fall  ? 
Upon  whom  does  the  writer  fix  the  responsibility  for 
the  disobedience?  Under  what  circumstances  is  it  a 
moral  act  to  obey  a  command  not  understood? 
Illustrate.  Should  God  morally  justify  to  us  his 
moral  requirements? 


1 92  The  Book  °f  Genesis 

III 

Make  a  list  of  sins  which  do  not  involve  others  in 
their  consequences.  What  is  the  origin  of  our  prompt- 
ings toward  sin?  Why  is  God  morally  justified  in 
requiring  us  to  do  his  will  ? 


240 
THE  PATRIARCHS 


Why  may  progress  in  religion  be  traced  by  in- 
dividual and  social  renunciations?  What  was  the 
moral  effect  upon  the  Hebrews  in  Canaan  of  Abra- 
ham's unhesitating  obedience  to  Jehovah?  Of  his 
generous  dealing  with  Lot?  Of  his  realization  of 
religion  as  a  life  of  prayer,  communion  with  Jehovah, 
and  loyalty  to  his  will,  rather  than  a  life  of  merely 
sacrificial  feasts?  Of  Jacob's  false  and  true  ambi- 
tion? Of  Joseph's  strength  of  character  and  frugal 
and  forgiving  disposition? 

II 

To  what  extent  was  Israel's  religious  life  shaped  by 
the  characters  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  Jacob,  and  Joseph  ? 
Illustrate  fully. 


Review  Studies  193 

III 

To  what  extent  is  life,  both  individual  and  social, 
governed  by  ideals?  Why  are  ideals  necessary  to 
progress  ?  Compare  the  meaning  of  faith  to  Abraham 
with  the  essentials  of  Christian  faith. 


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